February 4, 2025
Mr. James E. Ryan, President, The University of Virginia
Dr. K. Craig Kent, CEO UVA Health
Dr. Wendy Horton, CEO UVA Medical Center
Dear President Ryan, Dr. Kent, and Dr. Horton,
UVA IDEA Fund Statement on UVA’s Decision To Halt Healthcare For Transgender Youth
As trustees of the UVA IDEA Fund, we provide action-oriented leadership in support of the University of Virginia’s aim to be accessible, equitable, diverse, and inclusive. We support individuals, initiatives, and ideas that champion our shared values. We condemn all acts that prevent these principles from permeating the University community, culture, and climate, and we speak out when there are acts that oppose these ideals.
The decision by UVA Health to suspend all gender-affirming care for patients under 19 years of age has angered many students, alumni, patients, and community members, who are demanding more courageous leadership. UVA has long been a leader in the medical community, and this devastating decision will have real and lasting consequences. By choosing to immediately halt healthcare for transgender youth, UVA Health made a decision that will adversely impact the families who rely on UVA Health’s medical expertise. We understand the Attorney General of Virginia advised UVA that it should stop this health care to protect itself from legal risk and financial exposure; however, there is no law passed by the state of Virginia that required UVA to take this action.
This decision appears to be influenced by political factors beyond legal compliance. Families, not politicians, should be the ones making medical decisions for their children. Just like any other family, families of transgender youth should have the freedom to ensure their child can receive the prescribed medical care they need. This decision affects the autonomy of families and doctors, placing young people at risk.
The evidence is clear: healthcare for transgender youth is well-established, evidence-based, and often lifesaving. Studies show that when transgender youth have access to medically necessary care, they are significantly less likely to experience depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The immediate cessation of care may increase the risk of harm to young people in our community who rely on the UVA medical system.
As concerned alumni, we encourage you to hear the concerns of your patients, families, and the University community. We believe your current position signals that UVA’s commitment to inclusion and equity is conditional. We call on UVA Health to immediately reinstate this essential healthcare. This decision does not reflect the values UVA strives to uphold—of inclusion, access, and care for all. True leadership involves taking a stand, especially when political forces influence medical decisions. UVA has a responsibility to its patients, its medical professionals, and its community.
You have exceptional leaders on Grounds who are committed to inclusive excellence and the steadfast pursuit of equity. You also have dedicated alumni who want to help inspire and create positive change. We are here, ready to assist as thought partners. We know that UVA can do better.
Sincerely,
The Trustees of the UVA IDEA Fund
ideafund@virginia.edu