American Society of Plastic Surgeons Opposes Trans Treatment for Minors
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has become the first major US medical association to publicly announce that it 'has not endorsed any organization’s practice recommendations for the treatment of adolescents with gender dysphoria.'...
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Facts
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has become the first major US medical association to publicly announce that it 'has not endorsed any organization’s practice recommendations for the treatment of adolescents with gender dysphoria.'[1]
- The 11K-member ASPS, representing about 90% of the field in the US and Canada, has now gone against the pro-medical treatment stance of other major medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Medical Association (AMA).[2][1]
- In light of concerns that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) lacked evidence on its 'standards of care,' ASPS said it's 'reviewing and prioritizing several initiatives' to 'support evidence-based gender surgical care to provide guidance to plastic surgeons.'[1]
- California-based plastic surgeon Sheila Nazarian said that due to what she called 'poor' evidence of successful long-term effects, surgeons have little 'confidence that the benefits outweigh the harm.' She also said doctors are 'afraid to debate' the issue, especially regarding 'minors.'[2][1]
- The US is one of the few Western countries to allow gender transition surgeries for minors. The Journal of the American Medical Association found that from 2016-2020 there were 3,125 'breast or chest procedures' for children 12-18 years old.[1]
- Such surgeries are banned for under-18s in the UK, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Luxemburg, Sweden, and three Canadian provinces. In June, US Pres. Joe Biden's administration came out against surgeries for minors after reports emerged that his assistant health secretary Rachel Levine, a trans woman, supported lowering the age.[3][1]
Sources: [1]City Journal, [2]Newsnationnow and [3]The Hill.
Narratives
- Right narrative, as provided by Townhall. It's vital that prominent groups such as the ASPS confront the experimental transgender youth medical industry. The so-called doctors behind this movement take perfectly healthy children, some as young as six and often with autism or other mental issues, and perform risky and irreversible procedures without exploring alternative routes. Doctors and ordinary individuals alike must take a stand to protect the most vulnerable.
- Left narrative, as provided by New York Times. Despite claims from the anti-LGBTQ+ side, liberal-minded people are following the science on this issue as much as anyone. As more evidence emerges, public officials have decided to delay surgeries for minors while retaining their right to transition through other means. Such medical procedures are also very rare, which is why we shouldn't allow this debate to blur the lines between surgery and the myriad of other gender-affirming treatments.
- Progressive narrative, as provided by Gender Policy Report and CBC. While it's true that gender-affirming surgery for minors is rare, that doesn't mean it should be banned. This is a highly complex issue with unique circumstances affecting each case, which is why each treatment plan must be made on a case-by-case basis. Most nationally recognized medical associations still support all gender-affirming treatment, and they shouldn't cower in the face of right-wing attacks.
