The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued a new recommendation advising that gender-affirming surgeries for transgender youth be delayed until patients are at least 19 years old. The group cited “insufficient evidence” that the benefits of such procedures for minors outweigh the potential risks, marking a significant shift from other major medical organizations that support case-by-case surgical access. This change occurs amidst intensifying political pressure from the Trump administration, which has moved to cut off federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors and prompted several hospitals to suspend these services. The move has sparked significant debate among medical professionals and LGBTQ+ advocates regarding access to healthcare for minors.
Date: February 5, 2026. Source: apnews.com