Penn Medicine Halts Gender Transition Surgeries for Minors Due to Policy

University of Pennsylvania Alters Policy on Gender Transition Procedures for Minors

In response to recent federal directives, the University of Pennsylvania has decided to cease performing gender transition surgeries on individuals younger than 19. This decision aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, which focuses on restricting such procedures on minors.

The announcement was made by The Daily Penn through an Instagram post, revealing that Penn Medicine will no longer carry out these surgeries. Dr. Patrick Brennan, Penn Medicine Chief Medical Officer, stated that this change is specific to “gender-affirming surgical procedures.”

Dr. Brennan acknowledged the complexity of the decision, noting that it affects the trust placed in their care teams by patients and families. He emphasized the institution’s dedication to maintaining a supportive environment while adhering to federal regulations.

The executive order from President Trump explicitly prohibits the “transition” of minors, aiming to enforce laws against such medical interventions. It includes a ban on the use of puberty blockers and sex hormones intended to modify an individual’s biological sex appearance.

Furthermore, the directive mandates federal agencies to ensure that institutions receiving federal funding cease these procedures and adjust policies that align with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s recommendations.

This policy shift follows a broader trend, with over two dozen states implementing restrictions on gender transition procedures for minors. States like Alabama, Florida, and Texas, among others, have enacted bans due to concerns about the procedures’ long-term effects.

The American College of Pediatricians has highlighted several potential side effects of puberty blockers, including “osteoporosis, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment,” along with sterility risks when combined with cross-sex hormones. These hormones themselves pose risks of “heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, blood clots, and cancers.”

The announcement coincides with a letter from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services asking healthcare providers for information on consent protocols for minors with gender dysphoria and financial data on public funding for such procedures.