Banning gender-affirming care doesn’t protect children — it makes it harder to help them
-
By
-
Kavitha Ranganathan
-
June 29, 2026
-
Clinical Scorecard: Prohibiting gender-affirming treatment fails to safeguard children and complicates their access to necessary support
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Gender Dysphoria |
| Key Mechanisms | Surgical gender-affirming care can transform physical appearance and improve mental health outcomes. |
| Target Population | Transgender youth and adolescents seeking gender-affirming care. |
| Care Setting | Plastic surgery clinics providing gender-affirming surgeries. |
Key Highlights
- Gender-affirming surgeries have a transformative impact on patients' lives.
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued a position statement against gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 19.
- Observational studies show positive outcomes for gender-affirming care, including improved mental health and low complication rates.
- Calls for more research rather than bans on gender-affirming care are emphasized.
- The age minimum set by ASPS for surgical readiness is not supported by medical literature.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess gender dysphoria through clinical evaluation.
Management
- Consider gender-affirming surgeries for eligible patients based on individual assessment.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Collect long-term data on outcomes of gender-affirming care.
Risks
- Potential for misinformation regarding the quality of evidence supporting gender-affirming care.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Transgender youth and adolescents seeking surgical interventions.
Surgical interventions can significantly improve quality of life and mental health.
Clinical Best Practices
- Provide gender-affirming care at regional centers of excellence.
- Use strict selection criteria for adolescents seeking surgery.
- Encourage research protocols that prioritize long-term data collection.
Related Resources & Content
