UNC Health is Abandoning Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

What we know:

UNC Health informed providers and families the week of January 12, 2026, that it will no longer offer gender affirming medical care to patients under 19 years old.

This decision was made behind closed doors without notice to the public, but remember: this is not the law. This a strategic move towards extremism, in compliance with the Trump Administration’s Executive Order to end gender-affirming care for trans youth nationwide.

North Carolina state law currently bans gender affirming care for under-18-year-olds, unless already in treatment when the law passed. However, this new policy from UNC Health administration ends gender affirming care for all their patients under 19, even those already receiving treatment. Extending restrictions to legal adults is an extreme overreach of an already dangerous law, and forcing trans youth to find new doctors with no notice is forced detransition.

Gender-affirming care saves lives and allows transgender people of all ages to thrive. Equality NC urges UNC Health to reverse this harmful decision. We also encourage health care providers across the state to continue providing care for trans North Carolinians.

Resources

If you or your child has lost access to care at UNC Health, these organizations can help with navigating healthcare, peer support, and more.

Health Support

Trans Youth Emergency Project
This project from the Campaign for Southern Equality helps families and youth access gender affirming care, offering logistical and financial support.

TransFamily Support Services
Helps trans people and their families navigate insurance, find support groups, and access gender-affirming care.

LGBTQ+ Healthcare Directory and Outcare Health
Makes it easier to search for trans-affirming healthcare providers, including gender-affirming and primary care providers, therapists, dentists, and more.

Providing Access to Trans Health (PATH)
Charlotte Trans Health’s PATH project provides financial assistance towards gender affirming healthcare in the Charlotte metro area.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
This Raleigh-based Planned Parenthood office offers gender-affirming services, reproductive health care, and trans-affirming primary care.

Community Support

LGBT Center of Raleigh
Offers events, programs, and resources for LGBTQ+ community members in Raleigh, NC. Their support services help with housing, resources, advocacy, legal issues, and more.

LGBTQ Center of Durham
Offers educational, arts-based, and community events geared towards LGBTQ+ youth. Their resource list includes LGBTQ-friendly local businesses, support services, and more.

Tranzmission
Runs youth and family programs, name change help, and peer support groups in Western North Carolina. Their resource list includes trans-friendly local businesses, healthcare providers, and more in Western NC. 

T4TCLT
Offers trans-led clothing swaps, board game nights, and more services for the Charlotte area trans community. Their resource zine includes legal, healthcare, housing resources, and more for trans people in Charlotte, NC.

Time Out Youth offers programs and services to LGBTQ+ youth in the Charlotte area, including peer support, arts programs, and counseling.