FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 6, 2025

Equality Illinois Responds to Lurie Children’s Hospital Pausing Gender-Affirming Surgeries

Statement from Equality Illinois CEO Brian C. Johnson:

"We are deeply troubled by reports that Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has paused certain types of gender-affirming care for patients under 19. Over the past week, we have reached out to Lurie’s multiple times for greater clarity on their policies during these troubling times but have yet to receive a response.

Not only may this decision represent a failure to provide medically appropriate care to its patients, but we are also exploring whether Lurie Children’s may be in violation of the law by potentially denying care to trans patients. Gender-affirming care is essential, evidence-based, and life-saving, and any rollback of such services puts vulnerable youth at risk.

Equality Illinois stands firm in our commitment to advocating for the rights of Trans individuals and ensuring access to critical healthcare. We urge Lurie Children’s Hospital to be transparent about its policies and to reaffirm its commitment to providing comprehensive, affirming care to all patients.

#  #  #