Maine’s only trans-inclusive primary care clinics closed due to federal funding cuts, leaving over 150 transgender residents without local care.

Aroostook County in northern Maine has lost its only trans-friendly primary care providers after Maine Family Planning ended services at three clinics in October due to federal funding cuts linked to a new law restricting Medicaid payments for organizations that perform abortions. The clinics, the region’s sole LGBTQ+-inclusive primary care providers, served nearly 20% of the organization’s transgender patients, many relying on them for hormone replacement therapy and safe, affirming care. Health experts and patients say the closure has left over 150 transgender residents without trusted providers, forcing many to travel long distances or forgo care, despite claims from some local clinics that there are no transgender people in the area. The loss deepens existing healthcare access challenges in rural Maine, where providers are already scarce and under financial strain.