Scores gathered outside Penn State Health in Hershey on Friday urging the organization to keep supporting transgender youths’ lives.
“I’m here today to advocate for transgender rights because I am a trans man and I firmly believe that transgender rights are fundamental human rights,” stated Aspen Carroll.
Two weeks prior, Penn State Health announced they would be following UPMC and denying full gender-affirming medical healthcare to patients under 19-years-old.
“Ensure that they understand our feelings; that they realize transgender children have the right to flourish; that they grasp that transgender young people deserve all the same rights as anyone else,” the protesters shouted through a megaphone.
Following the execution of an executive order by President Donald Trump on January 28th, Penn State Health implemented certain measures that limit surgical procedures, hormone treatments, and additional services.
The United States has established a policy stating that it will neither finance nor endorse activities promoting the transition of children between sexes. It also commits to strictly enforcing all legislation prohibiting or restricting such potentially harmful and irreversible treatments.
The order is currently being blocked by two federal judges and has not yet taken effect, but many hospitals across the country, like UPMC and Penn State Health, have implemented the new order.
The Executive Director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Trans Equity Project, Corinne Goodwin, assisted in organizing the gathering in Hershey.
“They are getting compliant ahead of time out of fear,” stated Goodwin.
Members of the transgender community, along with parents and supporters in Hershey, rallied to demonstrate against Penn State’s decisions. Parents informed CBS 21 about the severe consequences they believe will result from the organization’s move to prohibit gender-affirming medical care.
It’s incredibly frustrating that access to healthcare is being limited like this because it could genuinely be a matter of saving people’s lives,” stated Stephanie Dymec. “This involves my child and their well-being; therefore, I would go above and beyond for them.
A mother spoke with CBS 21, stating that the treatment her transgender child received had an immense impact. She is now advocating for other children who may lack such support.
“I observed my own children transform from being withdrawn to becoming vibrant, flourishing individuals as they grew into fully alive adults,” stated Jennifer Beck.
Other groups like the Pennsylvania Family Institute have endorsed Trump’s executive order. On April 4, Dan Bartkowiak, who serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at the institute, addressed CBS 21 regarding this matter.
“When it comes to even age 18, since we have coverage for children being used taxpayer dollars funding these types of, I would say harmful and irreversible surgeries, again, that should not be happening,” said Bartkowiak
CBS 21 attempted to reach out to Penn State Health for comments. The organization replied as follows:
Penn State Health has revised its strategy for providing gender-affirming care in line with actions taken by numerous hospitals and healthcare providers after a federal executive order was signed on January 28.
We strongly uphold everyone’s ability to voice their viewpoints and feelings, particularly concerning matters that impact their daily lives and the broader community around them.
Penn State Health continues to prioritize the health and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse people, offering them considerate treatment within secure and welcoming spaces. The institution provides psychological backing for teenagers and young adults (aged between 10-24 years old) via their Gender Care Clinic. Additionally, they extend an extensive array of gender-confirmatory services, such as operations, specifically designed for those over 18 at Penn State Health Internal Medicine.
First and foremost, Penn State Health is dedicated to providing inclusive and respectful healthcare services encompassing all individuals, particularly those who identify as transgender or belong to gender-diverse communities.
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Community Responds to UPMC Decision to Cease Gender-Affirming Treatments for Minors Under 19
