DEVELOPING: U.S. Bishops Impose Nationwide Ban on Gender-Affirming Care at Catholic Hospitals

Breaking News: U.S. Bishops Impose Nationwide Ban on Gender-Affirming Care at Catholic Hospitals The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has officially banned gender-affirming care for transgender patients at Catholic hospitals, effective immediately. The decision was made Wednesday in a vote by the bishops, which formalizes a yearslong process to address transgender health care. The ban affects thousands of Catholic health care institutions and providers across the country, where over one in seven patients are treated each day. Catholic hospitals are the only medical center in some communities, leaving many patients without alternative options. The move comes as a major blow to the LGBTQ+ community, which has long relied on Catholic hospitals for medical care. Major medical groups and health organizations have expressed support for gender-affirming care, but the Catholic Church has maintained its opposition. The bishops' decision is the culmination of a yearslong effort to revise the church's ethical and religious directives. The revised guidelines will guide the nation's Catholic health care institutions and providers in their treatment of transgender patients. This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.