Kaiser Permanente will halt gender-affirming surgeries starting August 29, influenced by increased scrutiny from the federal government on care for patients under 19. This decision has generated significant concern from some staff and activists who believe it will adversely affect transgender youth and their families. Supporters of the pause argue that minors cannot consent to irreversible medical procedures, while opponents emphasize the need for patient-focused decision-making between individuals and their healthcare providers. Kaiser is among various organizations reducing access to gender-affirming care amid national pressures.
"Since January, there has been significant focus by the federal government on gender-affirming care, specifically for patients under the age of 19. This has included executive orders instructing federal agencies to take actions to curtail access and restrict funding for gender-affirming care..."
"Kids who have potentially been on this surgery list for years being dropped. Kids who have been waiting for these surgeries finally feel like for the first time in their lives feel like they are living."
"The only people who should be involved in making these decisions are the patients and their doctors."
"Kids cannot consent to something that is as permanent as having healthy body tissues removed."
#kaiser-permanente #gender-affirming-surgery #transgender-youth #healthcare-policy #federal-government
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