Teen Sues Essentia Over Gender-Affirming Care Cutoff

A 16-year-old transgender boy and his mother have sued Essentia Health, alleging the Duluth-based system violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act by abruptly ending gender-affirming care for him and other minor patients. The lawsuit says he received puberty-delaying medication and later hormone therapy for about five years, and alleges the treatment improved his well-being after he experienced suicidal thoughts and attempts. The family and their lawyers say Essentia ended care without adequate notice or explanation and seek a permanent injunction and monetary damages. The complaint alleges the decision followed threats from the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from providers offering care to minors. Essentia says it cannot comment on pending litigation because of patient privacy; other Minnesota providers have also paused and later resumed some services amid federal actions and legal rulings.