Great Lakes Wire

Today, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a letter addressing healthcare providers and patients in the state. The letter serves as a reminder to comply with Michigan laws when providing and seeking healthcare services. This guidance comes in response to executive orders issued by President Trump that limit healthcare options for minors and threaten federal funding withdrawal from certain healthcare facilities.

In the letter, Nessel emphasizes that "the availability of federal funding has no bearing on Michiganders’ right to seek and receive healthcare services without discrimination." She highlights that access to federal funds does not exempt Michigan healthcare facilities and providers from adhering to state laws prohibiting discrimination based on protected classes such as religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status.

Nessel further clarifies that "refusing healthcare services to a class of individuals based on their protected status," including transgender individuals who are denied services available to cisgender individuals due to their gender identity or diagnosis of gender dysphoria, could be considered discriminatory under Michigan law.

In an accompanying video message, Attorney General Nessel urges both patients and providers: “simply put: If you are seeking healthcare, continue to do so. If you are providing healthcare in compliance with Michigan law, please continue to do so.”

The full open letter is available for public viewing online.