ASPS Stresses Caution on Transgender Surgeries for Minors, Citing European Data

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has reinforced its warning against performing transgender surgeries on minors under the age of 19. A member of the society recently discussed this move with Fox News, highlighting a tendency to return to ‘common sense’ and emphasize scientific evidence over ideological motivations.

Dr. Sheila Nazarian, appearing on ‘Fox & Friends,’ stated that the society’s stance is based on current evidence, which indicates that the potential benefits of such surgeries do not outweigh the risks. She pointed out that the available evidence is of low quality, leading to this specific recommendation, especially concerning minors. Dr. Nazarian expressed a sense of relief that the ASPS is reaffirming its previous year’s position.

“These are kids we’re talking about. Many of us have been very loud on this issue, and I’m so happy to see that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is doubling down on their statement from last year,” said Dr. Nazarian.

The recommendation to delay gender-related surgeries until individuals reach at least 19 years old was updated on Tuesday by ASPS, referencing long-term data from European nations. Countries such as England, Sweden, and Finland have already suspended these surgical procedures for minors, guided by similar findings that also informed ASPS’s decision-making process.

Dr. Nazarian further discussed the issue, questioning the lack of supportive evidence for the mental health benefits associated with these procedures. Initially, she believed the surgeries were conducted with the best intentions. However, upon consulting with a professional about the data, she realized that economic interests and ideological factors might be influencing decisions rather than robust evidence.

“Hospital systems and physicians that do these surgeries have made a lot of money. And again, this should not be how we treat our patients and especially not children,” she noted.

Highlighting the complexity of the issue, Dr. Nazarian pointed out that many minors undergoing these procedures might be dealing with underlying mental health or developmental conditions. Often, these young patients and their parents were not provided with comprehensive informed consent.

“Thirty to 60% based on what study you look at of these children had a concurrent medical, mental, behavioral diagnosis like autism, like depression, like anxiety, and these doctors and psychologists told their parents, ‘You can either have a transgender child or a dead child,’ and that is emotional blackmail,” she commented.

Dr. Nazarian emphasized the lack of evidence supporting the idea that these procedures reduce suicidality. She believes this misinformation could, unfortunately, lead to legal actions due to inadequacies in conveying informed consent to families.

Contributed by associate editor Taylor Penley for Fox News.