Massachusetts AG Struggles to Explain Why She Won’t Sue Hospitals Abandoning Trans Kids

This story originally appeared on The Advocate.A transgender young person confronted Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell over why her office hasn’t sued hospitals denying gender-affirming care.During an interview on Boston Public Radio before a live audience at the Boston Public Library on Tuesday, the activist expressed anger at the Democratic attorney general. The hosts then invited them to the microphone.The activist said they were among the first group of transgender young people to meet with Campbell about shrinking access to health care after President Donald Trump’s administration threatened to withhold federal funding from institutions providing gender-affirming care to minors. They voiced frustration that although Trump’s threats began in October, Campbell did not meet with the group until April — after providers, including Baystate Health, had stopped providing services to patients.“These hospitals are not being shown that breaking the law is going to have any consequences for them in this state and these clinics are dropping like flies,” the activist said. “Your office keeps telling us wait until it gets worse. There's nothing we can do, even though attorney generals in California and New York are taking the brave and correct stance of prosecuting hospitals for discrimination and for removing life-saving care that is protected in our shield law and is protected under public access.”Related: Even in liberal Massachusetts, Republicans are attacking trans athletesNew York Attorney General Letitia James sued the Health and Human Services Department in December over the administration’s restrictions. California Attorney General Rob Bonta sued Rady Children’s Health in January for ending services. The activist asked what would prompt Campbell to take action against Massachusetts hospitals.Campbell defended her office and said Massachusetts has led efforts to defend transgender rights.“We have always taken the obligation of ensur