There’s an increasing backlash against transgender surgeries on minors at the state level. Recently, justices from the Supreme Court seem to be questioning the moves by some states to stifle counselors who express their concerns about these procedures. As skepticism spreads, some argue that the practice of performing transgender surgeries on minors might one day be looked upon as negatively as lobotomies were.
Lobotomy, a type of brain surgery that cuts connections in the brain, was pioneered in the U.S. during the 1930s and saw widespread use in the ’40s and early ’50s. However, according to historical sources, it’s now viewed as a dark chapter in medical history, once seen as a groundbreaking solution for misunderstood mental health issues.
Lobotomies were often performed on individuals with severe mental conditions like schizophrenia, especially when there were minimal treatment alternatives. Unfortunately, the risks associated with the procedure were substantial.
Reports have shown that lobotomies were sometimes carried out on mentally traumatized soldiers after the war, and while a few veterans found relief, many were left in poor states—akin to overgrown children and unable to care for themselves. Numerous others suffered from serious side effects, including seizures and cognitive impairments.
By the late 1950s, the medical community largely stopped endorsing lobotomies, prompted by the introduction of antipsychotic medications. Today, they stand as a controversial legacy in American medicine.
In just a few years, transgender surgeries on minors could similarly be seen as a regrettable aspect of healthcare.
In examining the current push for transgender surgeries for young people, parallels can be drawn with the lobotomy era. Many medical professionals have voiced their concerns, yet there’s still a significant lack of opposition from the broader community, even as a select few benefit from such practices.
Both types of surgeries claimed to change lives dramatically. While some individuals might have experienced improvements, many have faced unforeseen consequences that linger for a lifetime.
Once the decision is made, there’s often no reversing it. Those who undergo such transitions generally deal with lifelong costs, issues of infertility, and other serious health complications.
Another factor is informed consent. Many individuals who underwent lobotomies were unable to provide it, and while parental consent is required for minors with gender dysphoria, there are claims of some healthcare providers exerting pressure on parents about their children’s decisions. Concerns about suicide risks among these kids have also been highlighted.
Moreover, lobotomy was branded as a cutting-edge medical innovation at one point, and advocates for transgender surgery seem to be promoting a similar narrative today.
Historically, there were over 50,000 lobotomy procedures conducted in the U.S. In contrast, a report indicates that between 2019 and 2023, at least 13,394 gender reassignment surgeries were performed on those under 17, some as young as 7, with thousands of mastectomies and phalloplasty surgeries occurring as well.
One significant difference between the two historical contexts is that lobotomies emerged when few alternatives existed for severe mental illness, possibly making them seem like a more viable option at the time.
However, today we know there are alternatives for children dealing with gender dysphoria. A growing number of medical experts and countries are pushing back against surgical interventions for youths, recognizing that adolescence is often a confusing time for identity exploration. Social media and specific advocacy groups can complicate this journey further.
As children grow and change, it’s essential we don’t rush them into irreversible decisions. Studies suggest that most kids with gender dysphoria eventually move past it.
If someone wishes to transition when they reach adulthood, they certainly have that right. But those choices should belong to adults, not minors.
Some individuals who underwent transgender surgeries as minors are now sharing their stories and, in certain instances, even pursuing legal action against their healthcare providers. Over time, society may come to view the practice of allowing minors to undergo life-altering surgeries in much the same way we now regard lobotomies.
Merrill Matthews is the co-author of On the Edge: America Faces the Entitlements Cliff.
