Major Medical Groups Endorse Restrictions on Gender-Related Surgery for Minors

The American Medical Association and American Society of Plastic Surgeons say such procedures should generally be delayed until adulthood.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The American Medical Association, the nation's largest organization representing doctors, has endorsed restrictions on gender-related surgeries for minors, saying they generally should not be performed until the patients reach adulthood. This follows a similar recommendation from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The issue has become increasingly fraught as the federal government and some states move to ban medical interventions for adolescents with gender dysphoria.

Why it matters

This decision by major medical groups represents a shift in the treatment approach for transgender youth, as most medical organizations have previously opposed efforts to restrict gender-related care. It reflects growing concerns about the lack of long-term data on the outcomes of these procedures, particularly for minors. The debate over access to gender-affirming care for adolescents has become highly politicized, with the federal government and some states moving to ban such treatments.

The details

The AMA and ASPS cited insufficient research on the long-term risks and benefits of gender-related surgeries for minors in endorsing the restrictions. Some doctors have argued that mastectomies should be allowed before age 18 because breast development occurs early in puberty and can be distressing for transitioning teens. However, the ASPS said its decision was based on a review of existing studies, which 'hinted at the possibility of treatment complications and potential harms' from irreversible procedures. Other medical groups, like the American Academy of Pediatrics, said their positions remain unchanged and that decisions should be made between patients, families and physicians.

  • On Tuesday, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommended that gender-related surgeries for minors be delayed until age 19.
  • On Wednesday, the American Medical Association endorsed restrictions on gender-related surgeries for minors, saying they generally should not be performed until adulthood.

The players

American Medical Association

The nation's largest organization representing doctors, which has endorsed restrictions on gender-related surgeries for minors.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

A medical group that has recommended delaying gender-related surgeries for minors until age 19.

American Academy of Pediatrics

A medical group that said its position on gender-related surgery for minors remains unchanged, arguing that decisions should be made between patients, families and physicians.

World Professional Association for Transgender Health

A nonprofit organization that promotes medical standards for gender-related care, arguing that health providers should be allowed to consider the individual needs of each patient.

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What’s next

The debate over access to gender-affirming care for adolescents is expected to continue, with the federal government and some states moving to ban such treatments. The medical community will likely continue to grapple with the lack of long-term data on the outcomes of these procedures, particularly for minors.

The takeaway

This decision by major medical groups reflects the ongoing debate and uncertainty around the appropriate approach to gender-related care for transgender youth. While most medical organizations have previously opposed restrictions, the AMA and ASPS now say surgical interventions should generally be delayed until adulthood due to the lack of clear evidence on the risks and benefits. This shift highlights the complex and sensitive nature of this issue, which has become highly politicized.