Community reacts to Penn State Health ending gender affirming care for those under 19

Hershey, PA — Dozens rallied outside Penn State Health in Hershey Friday demanding the company continue to save the lives of trans youth.

“I’m out here today to protect trans rights because I’m a trans man and I believe trans rights are human rights,” said 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.

“Make sure that they know how we feel; that they know that trans kids deserve to thrive; that they know that trans youth deserve every single right just like anybody else,” protestors chanted into a megaphone.

The actions were taken by Penn State Health after President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 28, which would restrict surgical procedures, hormone therapy, and more.

It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.

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.

Corinne Goodwin, the Executive Director of Eastern Pennsylvania Trans Equity Project helped organize the rally in Hershey.

“They are pre-complying because they’re afraid,” said Goodwin.

The trans community, parents, and allies in Hershey showed up to protest Penn State’s actions. Parents told CBS 21 the impacts of the company’s choice to ban gender-affirming healthcare will have devastating results.

“It’s infuriating to me that healthcare is being restricted in this way, I mean, this can literally save people’s lives,” said Stephanie Dymec. “I mean, this is my kid and their life and their wellbeing and I will do anything and everything for them.”

One mom told CBS 21, the care her transgender child received made a world of difference, and she is now supporting the other children who might not have that option.

“I watched it in my own kids go from a shell to a fully alive blossoming child and fully alive adult,” said Jennifer Beck.

Other organizations. such as the Pennsylvania Family Institute. have spoken out in support of Trump’s executive order. The Chief Strategy Officer of the institute, Dan Bartkowiak, spoke to CBS 21 on April 4.

“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 reached out to Penn State Health for comment. The company responded:

Penn State Health’s updated approach to gender affirming care is consistent with steps taken by many hospitals and healthcare organizations following a federal executive order issued on Jan. 28.

We deeply respect the right of individuals to express their perspectives and emotions, especially on issues that affect their lives and communities.

Penn State Health remains committed to the health and well-being of transgender and gender-diverse individuals and continue to provide compassionate care in a safe and supportive environment. This includes psychosocial support for adolescents and young adults (ages 10–24) through our Gender Care Clinic. For individuals aged 19 and older, we continue to offer a full range of gender-affirming care options, including surgical procedures, through Penn State Health Internal Medicine.

Above all, Penn State Health is committed to delivering comprehensive, respectful medical care for all people, including those who are transgender and gender diverse.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Community Reacts to UPMC decision to end gender-affirming care for those under 19