OutCenter Southwest Michigan Responds to Corewell Health Reinstatement of Gender-Affirming Care for New LGBTQ+ Youth Patients

Benton Harbor, Michigan — On February 8th, Corewell Health announced a policy to pause gender-affirming care to new patients under 19 years old. OutCenter Southwest Michigan confirmed on February 12th that Corewell has since rescinded their decision, following a statement from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and an outpouring of community advocacy supporting healthcare access for LGBTQ+ people. A coalition of organizations across the state, including OutCenter, poured many hours into networking, research, and protest, leading to this significant policy reversal.

While we acknowledge Corewell’s reinstatement of care, the initial pause caused harm, breaking trust and instilling fear in LGBTQ+ patients and families. Rebuilding trust requires more than a policy reversal. Corewell must take concrete steps, such as:

– Holding regularly scheduled community listening sessions with Corewell leadership in attendance
– Strengthening and creating accountability enforcement structures for policies which support equitable healthcare access
– Formalizing strategic relationships between Corewell decision-makers and LGBTQ+ community organizations across the State of Michigan

At OutCenter, we are even more driven to attain our goal of creating safe and affirming spaces for all people. OutCenter’s advocacy programs, state-wide LGBTQ+ coalition partnerships, and community collaboration are critical for making positive change and holding institutions accountable. It is important for us to stand strong together at this time, and standing up involves standing for our rights, and everyone’s rights.