Dane County attorney looking into whether SSM Health is in contract violation for stopping gender-affirming surgeries

MADISON, Wis. -- The Dane County Board of Supervisors said Wednesday evening they are looking into whether SSM Health is in contract violations following the move to stop gender-affirming surgeries.

Fox 47 Investigates exclusively reported last week that the Catholic health care organization had discontinued those types of surgeries.

Twenty-two of the county's 37 supervisors signed onto the statement, calling SSM Health's policy change "ill-conceived."

"The decision from SSM Health to discontinue care that is medically necessary is dangerous to members of the community who continue to face threats and intimidation," the statement read.

"Health care institutions need to be held accountable to do what is right, and not limit access to care, but expand it."

SSM Health discontinues gender-affirming surgeries in the Madison area amid pressure from the Catholic Church

The move from the Catholic health care system comes after ramped-up pressure this year from the Catholic Church to stop Catholic health care organizations from providing some types of gender-affirming care to transgender people.

The statement said that county board chair Patrick Miles has asked the county's corporation counsel to provide an opinion on whether there are any contract violations as a result of the SSM Health policy change and for what action the County can and should take if there are violations.

The Board of Supervisors that signed onto this statement say they are requesting the Insurance Advisory Committee and County Administration include gender-affirming care as a priority in negotiating future healthcare plans.

"The decision by SSM Health to eliminate needed care is antithetical to Dane County’s values," the statement includes. "Access to health care is a fundamental right, and health care includes gender-affirming care."

Fox 47 reached out to SSM Health for comment, with no response at time of publishing.