American Society of Plastic Surgeons Delays Gender-Affirming Surgeries

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) has recommended delaying gender-affirming surgeries for patients until they turn 19, citing 'insufficient evidence' that benefits outweigh risks for minors. This new stance diverges from other major medical organizations and aligns with pressure from the Donald Trump administration, which has been pushing to limit gender-affirming care for children. The United States===United States Department of Health and Human Services, through Deputy Secretary Jim O Neill, praised the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' decision. Other groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health maintain their existing guidelines, which support cautious access to care for minors. The decision by American Society of Plastic Surgeons was influenced by recent publications like the Cass Review and a 2025 United States===United States Department of Health and Human Services report, as well as rising liability concerns, exemplified by a recent malpractice verdict in United States===New York (state). Hospitals like Children s Minnesota have already paused gender-affirming care for minors due to federal 'threats'.