Kaiser Permanente announced it will pause all transgender surgeries for patients under 19 years old, effective August 29. This decision comes amid increasing pressure from the Trump administration regarding medical procedures for transgender minors.
The health care provider explained that after careful consideration and discussions with experts, they decided to halt these surgeries. This includes procedures such as breast removal for girls who identify as boys, as well as other genital surgeries. Kaiser Permanente acknowledged that this is a difficult time for young patients seeking care and for the clinicians who support them. They emphasized their commitment to assisting patients during this transition.
While surgical procedures will be paused, Kaiser Permanente will continue to provide other forms of gender-affirming care, including hormone treatments. These treatments can significantly impact growth and fertility, raising concerns among some advocacy groups.
The company cited the heightened scrutiny from the federal government as a primary reason for this pause. Since January, there has been a notable focus on gender-affirming care for minors, including executive orders aimed at limiting access and funding. Recent actions have included inquiries by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice directed at doctors and clinics involved in providing care to transgender youth.
The pause was first reported on social media by activist Billboard Chris. Chloe Cole, a woman who underwent transgender procedures as a minor and now advocates against them, expressed her support for the decision. Cole has been vocal about her experiences and legal battles, stating that she was pushed into medical decisions during a vulnerable time in her life.
Mark Trammell, CEO of the Center for American Liberty, praised Kaiser Permanente’s decision. He stated it represents an important move towards protecting young people, who may not fully understand the implications of such life-altering surgeries. Trammell highlighted ongoing legal challenges involving individuals like Cole, who argue that medical interventions can cause irreversible harm.
This pause marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over gender-affirming care for minors, reflecting the tensions between medical practices, governmental oversight, and the rights of young patients.
