Take action to protect gender affirming care in Wisconsin
We need clarity from Attorney General Josh Kaul on gender-affirming care in Wisconsin. On February 5th, Kaul joined a group of 15 attorneys general in issuing a joint statement on protecting access to gender-affirming care. In the statement, the group states they “will challenge any unlawful effort by the Trump Administration to restrict access to it in our jurisdictions.”
Today is February 7th, and we already have an example of restricted access. Children’s Wisconsin, here in Milwaukee, has cancelled a trans teenager’s next step in receiving the care that she, her parents, and her providers had determined was necessary…And in the process of writing this, Children’s Wisconsin has reversed course. But they never should have put this family, and those of us who also rely on gender-affirming care to keep ourselves and loved ones healthy, in this state of fear.
So Attorney General Josh Kaul and his office need to hear from us. We can let him know we’re expecting a swift response (and we know he hasn’t always acted swiftly in the past) and clear guidance that tells our healthcare systems that Wisconsin stands with “science and the law” and our trans community.
Contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice and let them know our expectations: (608) 266-1221, option 4 (additional contact points are on their website).
“Hi, my name is _____ and I live in ______. I’m calling to thank Attorney General Kaul for standing in support of trans rights and gender- affirming care by signing on to the joint statement with other state attorneys general. Healthcare policies that support families and patients and providers with gender-affirming care is “supported by the science and the law.” Most importantly, this care dramatically improves and saves lives.
I’m asking that attorney general Kaul provide clear guidance to hospitals and healthcare systems in Wisconsin by unequivocally articulating that ceasing gender affirming care for transgender youth would violate anti-discrimination laws, as New York Attorney General Letitia James has. Healthcare organizations that cancel appointments for trans youth need to be held accountable. Thank you.”
