ASPS Revises Guidance on Gender Surgery for Minors
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has issued a stronger warning against gender surgery for minors under the age of 19. A member of the society indicated that this update reflects a shift toward a more scientific approach, prioritizing evidence over ideology.
Dr. Sheila Nazarian mentioned in a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends” that if one examines the available evidence, it becomes clear that the benefits of such surgeries don’t outweigh the potential harms. She noted that the current evidence is quite lacking in quality.
Expressing relief, Nazarian stated, “What we’re talking about is children. Many of us have voiced concerns about this, and I’m pleased to see the ASPS reaffirming last year’s stance.”
Concerns Over Gender Surgery
The ASPS has formally recommended delaying any irreversible gender-related surgeries until patients reach at least 19 years of age. This recommendation is based on long-term data from Europe, which raises significant concerns about the outcomes of these procedures for minors.
Nazarian pointed out that several progressive European countries—like the UK, Sweden, and Finland—have already ceased performing such surgeries on minors, which influenced the society’s decision.
When asked why these surgeries had proceeded despite the lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness for mental health, Nazarian reflected on her initial belief in their validity. She realized, however, after scrutinizing the data and consulting professionals, that the process may not be as sound as she once thought.
Financial Motivations and Consent Issues
She described a conversation where she questioned a colleague about the long-term European data, only to receive a vague response in return. This led her to conclude that financial motives may be at play, stating, “Hospital systems and doctors who carry out these surgeries make significant profits. It simply isn’t right for patients, especially children, to be treated this way.”
Nazarian added that many minors who underwent these procedures had existing mental health or developmental issues, raising serious questions about whether they provided genuine informed consent.
According to various studies she referenced, a notable percentage—between 30% and 60%—of these children had medical, psychological, or behavioral conditions like autism, anxiety, and depression. Nazarian criticized the messaging from healthcare providers, who allegedly pressured parents into believing that failing to support their child’s transition could lead to dire outcomes, describing it as “emotional blackmail.”
She concluded by emphasizing the absence of evidence that these treatments genuinely reduce suicide rates, expressing concerns over the informed consent process. She suspects that legal action may arise from these issues.
