Plastic surgeons society says gender-affirming surgeries not for minors
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has recently released a statement recommending that gender-affirming surgeries for transgender and nonbinary patients be delayed until the patient reaches the age of 19. This announcement marks a departure from the stance taken by other major U.S. medical groups, and applies to procedures such as facial, chest, and genital surgeries. The ASPS, a professional association with over 11,000 physician members, clarified that this statement is not a clinical practice guideline but rather serves as professional guidance in a rapidly evolving and controversial field.
The organization emphasized its opposition to pursuing criminal or punitive measures against doctors providing gender-affirming care, a policy objective of Republicans across the country. Scot Bradley Glasberg, a former president of the ASPS, explained that the decision to reevaluate the evidence around gender-affirming care for minors was prompted during the Biden administration. The group concluded that the data supporting such care is of low quality and certainty, leading to the development of the new recommendation.
The Department of Health and Human Services and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. commended the ASPS for its stance, praising the organization for upholding sound science and biological truth. The Trump administration’s efforts to end gender-affirming care for individuals under 19 have sparked investigations into hospitals and doctors, as well as threats to withhold federal funding from institutions that continue to offer such care.
Despite the pressure from the administration, major medical associations have stood firm in their support for gender-affirming care, citing the increasing demand for these procedures. The ASPS decision was met with approval from groups that have questioned or advocated for restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, marking a significant shift in U.S. medical practice.
The ASPS statement highlights the need for caution and a science-driven approach when it comes to gender-affirming surgeries for minors. The organization refrained from producing full clinical practice guidelines due to insufficient data but emphasized the importance of collaborative decision-making among a multidisciplinary team of clinicians.
While critics of gender-affirming care often reference the low-quality evidence in the field, supporters point to the high rates of similar surgeries performed on cisgender youth. The ASPS statement underscores the ethical considerations unique to gender-affirming procedures and their potential long-term implications on a patient’s life and identity.
In conclusion, the ASPS’s recommendation to delay gender-affirming surgeries until the age of 19 reflects a cautious and thoughtful approach to a complex and evolving field of medicine. The organization’s commitment to upholding sound science and ethical standards sets a precedent for the future of gender-affirming care in the United States.
