Kaiser pausing gender-affirming surgeries for patients 19 years old and under

Kaiser Permanente will pause gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 starting August 29, citing federal pressure and recent executive orders focused on gender-affirming care. The announcement has provoked backlash from staff, including nurse Sydney Simpson, who highlighted the emotional toll on children awaiting surgery. Trans activist Aria Villajin condemned the decision, stating that only patients and their doctors should determine care. In support of the pause, Jamie Reed of the LGB Courage Coalition raised concerns about the permanence of such surgeries for minors. Nurses in San Francisco plan to hold a vigil to protest the policy.

Reed hopes Kaiser will extend the pause beyond surgeries, advocating for a comprehensive review of gender-affirming protocols. This shift reflects a broader trend among healthcare providers reevaluating practices related to transgender youth. The decision raises critical questions about access to care and the implications for the well-being of transgender minors.