Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus Commends UPMC for Halting Genital Mutilation Surgery on Minors, Calls on Penn St. Health and Temple Health to Follow Suit

PAFC Supportive of State-Related Appropriations to Universities Whose Health System Stops “Gender-Affirming” Treatment on Minors

The Pennsylvania Freedom Caucus (PAFC) has voiced praise for UPMC after news broke of its plans to stop “gender-affirming treatment” for minors. The move shines light on policies at Penn State Health and Temple Health, two other university-affiliated health systems that receive state appropriations.

“It’s possible to get to a ‘yes,’ on budget appropriations for state-related universities,” notes PAFC Chairman Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia). “But the condition is crystal clear: end gender reassignment surgery and treatment at all university health program facilities.”

He adds: “As far as PAFC votes on any non-preferred appropriations during the 2025-26 legislative session are concerned, this demand is non-negotiable.”

Each budget sees debate ensue over funding to state-related universities. The PA Constitution requires that two-thirds of each legislative chamber approve what’s called “non-preferred” spending for the four state-related universities (University of Pittsburgh, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln) as well as the New Bolton Center veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania. Passage can be done either separately or as part of an omnibus bill that bundles the colleges together.

“We’ve warred with our state-related universities over funding since our inception,” says Freedom Caucus member Joe Hamm (R-Lycoming). “We believe ending genital reassignment surgery and treatment for minors with state-sanctioned dollars would be a monumental win for Pennsylvanians.”