Plastic Surgery Organization Recommends Against Gender Reassignment Surgery for Minors
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the main organization representing nearly all board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S., announced on Tuesday its position against gender reassignment surgery for young individuals, citing a lack of “sufficient evidence” for performing such procedures on patients under 19.
Unlike other prominent medical associations that have supported gender-related treatments, the ASPS suggests that all thoracic, genital, and facial surgeries related to gender transition be delayed until patients reach at least 19 years old. It is important to note that this statement does not establish clinical practice guidelines.
In its findings, ASPS pointed out that existing evidence regarding mental health outcomes related to these surgeries is of “low certainty.” This raises concerns about the overall effectiveness and safety of intervening in the lives of minors.
ASPS stressed that they have ongoing concerns about the irreversible nature of surgical interventions and the potential long-term risks for vulnerable developmental populations. They also noted that doctors often cannot predict whether a child’s gender dysphoria will persist into adulthood or resolve on its own.
The organization criticized the urgency sometimes associated with pediatric gender care, stating that decisions shouldn’t be driven by “crisis claims” that position these surgeries as “lifesaving” to prevent suicide. They emphasized that medical ethics dictate interventions should only occur when there is a reasonable expectation that the benefits outweigh the risks. As uncertainty rises, so should caution.
Furthermore, ASPS referred to concerns articulated in recent reviews by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which highlighted significant limitations in the quality of studies concerning long-term physical and psychological outcomes.
Health officials reacted positively to ASPS’s announcement. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. commended the organization for “confronting the over-medicalization lobby,” asserting that this move could help shield future American children from irreversible harm.
The statement reaffirms the necessity for delicate handling of pediatric patients. Physicians are reminded to strike a balance between compassion and scientific evidence in their care, while also opposing the criminalization of medical practices. The ASPS believes that self-regulation within the profession should guide standards rather than punitive policies.
This recent statement comes on the heels of a notable malpractice lawsuit where a former transgender teenager claimed damages after undergoing a double mastectomy at 16, while grappling with gender dysphoria.
