Article Summary
Penn Medicine has announced it will no longer provide gender-affirming surgical procedures to patients under 19, citing federal government guidance. This decision impacts plastic surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, urology, and otorhinolaryngology services. The move follows an executive order by the Trump administration restricting funding for such care for minors. Penn Medicine emphasized its commitment to LGBTQ+ care while complying with federal requirements. Critics, including Philadelphia City Councilmember Rue Landau, argue this decision undermines life-saving healthcare for young people.
What This Means for You
- If you or a loved one is under 19 and seeking gender-affirming surgery, you’ll need to explore alternative healthcare providers or wait until reaching the age threshold.
- Advocate for inclusive healthcare policies by contacting local representatives or supporting organizations that fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Stay informed about federal and state policies affecting gender-affirming care, as these can change rapidly and impact access to services.
- Be prepared for potential delays in care and consider seeking mental health support to navigate the emotional challenges of this transition.
Penn Medicine no longer offering gender-affirming procedures for people under 19
Penn Medicine is no longer offering gender-affirming surgical procedures to patients under the age of 19, the health system confirmed to NBC Philadelphia on Thursday.
“As a result of current guidance established by the federal government, Penn Medicine will no longer be able to provide gender-affirming surgical procedures for patients under the age of 19,” PJ Brennan, Penn Medicine’s chief medical officer, said in a statement.
According to Brennan, this change specifically pertains to gender-affirming surgical procedures in plastic surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, urology and otorhinolaryngology.
“This is a difficult decision that we know impacts patients and families who place their trust in our care teams. We remain deeply committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all members of the communities we serve and providing comprehensive medical and behavioral health care and psychosocial support for LGBTQ+ individuals while complying with federal government requirements,” Brennan said.
Gender-affirming procedures and care have been a target of the Trump administration, with the president signing an executive order in January directing agencies to halt grants and funding that could be used for gender-affirming care for people under age 19.
Philadelphia City Councilmember Rue Landau criticized the decision, saying, “It is extremely upsetting and disturbing to see Penn react to it, especially when so many people in the institution have said we’re going to stay strong and we’re going to continue doing this for as long as we can.”
“This is important. This is the health care we provide. Life saving healthcare for young people. That’s what it is,” she added.
The announcement also comes after the Trump administration accused the University of Pennsylvania in April of violating laws guaranteeing women equal opportunities in athletics by letting a transgender swimmer compete on the school’s women’s team and access into team facilities.
The Trump administration did not name Lia Thomas — the transgender swimmer who last competed for the school in 2022 and was the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I title that year — but Thomas was the focus of the investigation started by the U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights in February.
The Trump administration has also suspended approximately $175 million in federal funding for Penn over its decision to let Thomas compete.
People Also Ask About
- What are gender-affirming procedures? Gender-affirming procedures are medical interventions that align a person’s physical appearance with their gender identity.
- Why did Penn Medicine stop offering these procedures to minors? Penn Medicine cited federal government guidance and funding restrictions as the reason for this decision.
- What alternatives are available for minors seeking gender-affirming care? Minors can seek non-surgical care, such as hormone therapy, or explore providers in states with more inclusive policies.
- How does this decision impact the LGBTQ+ community? This decision limits access to critical healthcare for transgender youth, potentially exacerbating mental health challenges.
Expert Opinion
This decision by Penn Medicine reflects a broader trend of increasing restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, driven by federal policy changes. Experts warn that such limitations can have severe consequences for the mental and physical health of transgender youth, emphasizing the need for advocacy and alternative care solutions.
Key Terms
- Gender-affirming surgery for minors
- Federal restrictions on transgender care
- LGBTQ+ healthcare access
- Penn Medicine policy changes
- Trump administration executive order on gender-affirming care
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