A clinic in Cedar Falls that treats LGBTQ patients is partnering with out-of-state doctor’s offices to provide gender affirming care to minors, according to the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier. UnityPoint LGBTQ Clinic was forced to stop providing puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries to treat gender dysphoria for those under 18 after legislation was passed in Iowa that made it illegal. The law allows for individuals to bring lawsuits against doctors who provide gender affirming care. Rachel Benson, a provider at the clinic, says they are thankful that 13 clinics in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois have partnered with their office to provide this care. Benson says they have seen a stark decrease in the amount of patients they have seen at the LGBTQ clinic since the law went into effect. She is hoping this partnership will help to make sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.
