Jacksonville, Florida, February 5, 2026
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends postponing gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19, citing a lack of evidence concerning benefits versus risks. This shift contrasts with other medical bodies advocating collaborative approaches for minors. The recommendation emerges amid political pressures and raises ethical discussions within the healthcare community regarding care for transgender youth.
Jacksonville, Florida
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has recommended delaying gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19 years old, citing insufficient evidence that the benefits outweigh the risks for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.
This significant recommendation, made on February 4, 2026, highlights the ASPS’s commitment to delivering compassionate and scientifically robust care for younger patients. As our community navigates the complexities surrounding healthcare decisions, particularly in emotional and socially charged areas like gender identity, it is essential to embrace a careful approach that balances ethical considerations with scientific evidence. In this light, the ASPS underscores that any potential distress faced by patients must be viewed alongside developmental factors and the long-term welfare of minors.
The ASPS’s revised position marks a departure from their previous guidance and stands in contrast with recommendations from other key medical organizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), for instance, advocates for a collaborative decision-making process involving patients, families, and physicians, while the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) endorses a more flexible approach, encouraging access to surgical care for minors under strict guidelines without advocating for blanket policies.
Context Surrounding the ASPS Recommendation
In the broader national context, the ASPS’s decision has come in the wake of escalating pressure from the Trump administration to restrict gender-affirming medical care for minors. In light of this evolving political landscape, the ASPS’s recommendations carry implications for healthcare providers, some of whom have responded by pausing gender-affirming care to safeguard their practices and staff from potential repercussions. This response, though rooted in precaution, raises various ethical and practical considerations for providers when weighing their duty to individual patients against the backdrop of regulatory pressures.
Clarity on the ASPS’s Process
While external political influences have prompted discussion, Dr. Scot Glasberg, a former president of the ASPS, clarified that the formulation of their statement was driven by clinical judgment and not political factors. He noted that the language and content were meticulously developed over a two-year period, emphasizing that organizations should respect differing opinions as the healthcare community navigates these delicate issues.
Key Opinions and Implications
This nuanced situation invites a range of opinions from healthcare providers, activists, and community leaders. Advocates for unrestricted access to gender-affirming care argue that timely interventions can lead to improved mental health outcomes for transgender minors, while others highlight the importance of thorough evaluations before proceeding with surgical options. Such discourse ultimately contributes to the broader conversation about ensuring that healthcare remains patient-centered, innovative, and safe.
Conclusion: Navigating Future Healthcare Decisions
As Jacksonville continues to engage in these discussions, the ASPS’s recommendation serves as a reminder of the complexity surrounding gender-affirming care for adolescents. While policies evolve, local stakeholders must maintain a commitment to innovation and resilience, balancing compassion for young individuals with the responsibility of adhering to scientific evidence. It remains critical for our community to support local healthcare providers as they navigate these changing dynamics while continuing to foster an environment conducive to informed decision-making in healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) new recommendation regarding gender-affirming surgeries?
The ASPS recommends delaying gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19 years old, citing insufficient evidence that the benefits outweigh the risks for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.
How does this recommendation differ from other medical organizations?
Other major medical organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), support access to surgical care for minors under cautious guidelines and criteria, opposing a definitive age or one-size-fits-all approach, and advocating for case-by-case decisions based on evaluations by multiple health experts and adolescent development specialists.
What prompted the ASPS to change its stance?
The ASPS’s decision comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration to limit or stop gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, particularly minors. Deputy Health and Human Services Secretary Jim O’Neill stated that the ASPS has set the scientific and medical standard for all provider groups to follow.
How have healthcare providers responded to this recommendation?
In response to the ASPS’s recommendation and federal pressures, some healthcare providers have paused gender-affirming care for minors, citing federal threats and the need to protect their institutions and staff.
Did political influence affect the ASPS’s decision?
Dr. Scot Glasberg, a past president of the ASPS, clarified that the deliberations over the statement’s language began in 2024 and were not politically influenced. He emphasized that the process was iterative and conducted without outside pressure, acknowledging that there will be differing opinions and expressing respect for those perspectives.
Key Features of the ASPS’s Recommendation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Recommendation | Delay gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19 years old. |
| Rationale | Insufficient evidence that benefits outweigh risks for minors with gender dysphoria. |
| Comparison | Differs from guidance by AAP and WPATH, which support cautious access to surgical care for minors. |
| Political Context | Decision influenced by federal pressures to limit gender-affirming care for minors. |
| Healthcare Provider Response | Some providers have paused gender-affirming care for minors to protect institutions and staff. |
| Political Influence | ASPS states decision was not politically influenced; process was iterative and conducted without outside pressure. |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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