Written by: Jennifer Stolaski
Posted 1 day ago
Fenway Health announced that it will stop providing certain types of gender-affirming care to patients under the age of 19 on October 21, 2025. Jordina Shanks, CEO of Fenway Health, shared the news: press releaseWe have clarified that the changes only apply to hormone therapy and puberty blockers.
“All other services and care for patients of all ages and identities remain fully available and unchanged,” she stressed, adding that the policy change in no way reflects the organization’s core values. Shanks reaffirmed that both he and his organization believe that “gender reassignment care saves lives,” but explained that difficult decisions were made in response to changes within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Here’s everything you need to know about the changes that will limit the types of gender-affirming care Fenway Health provides.
Why did Fenway Health stop providing gender reassignment care?
Fenway Health announced that it will stop providing select gender-affirming care services, specifically hormones and puberty blockers, to patients under 19 years of age in October 2025. Jordina Shanks, the organization’s CEO, explained that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has changed its rules and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has explained in updated priorities that providing hormones and puberty blockers to individuals under 19 years of age is no longer an HHS goal. Or priorities.”
Although Fenway Health could technically continue to provide these services, doing so posed significant risks. Because it was classified as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), the organization lost its ability to provide “high-quality, affordable health care” to more than 30,000 people, Shanks noted. Essentially, organizations are backed into a corner because violating new HHS rules jeopardizes their ability to care for the broader community.
What is Fenway Health doing for patients affected by these changes?
Fenway Health is reaching out directly to individuals and families affected by these changes, explaining what is happening and, more importantly, providing guidance in finding other facilities that will not be affected by the revised federal policy. “These conversations were conducted with sensitivity and compassion for the unique challenges presented by a change in a trusted provider,” Shanks noted.
Despite the difficult decision to remove hormone therapy and puberty blockers from the list of services for patients under 19, Fenway made clear that the organization “will continue its long history of advocating for policies, funding, and access to a wide range of services that support the health and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ population and all members of the communities we serve.”
Rest assured. Fenway Health is committed to helping those affected by this policy change. If you or a member of your household has been affected, you can contact Fenway directly for assistance in obtaining treatment at another facility that will not back down under pressure from the federal government. Although Fenway Health continues to serve patients from all walks of life, there are currently limited gender-affirming health services for younger members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Do you think Fenway Health made the right decision, or should it have stood its ground despite pressure from the federal government? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
