Penn Medicine Halts Gender-Affirming Surgeries for Minors Amid New Federal Funding Restrictions

Health Systems Navigate Federal Order Limiting Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Youth

Penn Medicine has ceased gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19, effective immediately, due to a new federal executive order. Issued in January, the order restricts federal funding for gender-affirming care, including hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and surgeries for transgender minors. The order has prompted health systems like Penn Medicine, UPMC, and Penn State Health to scale back such services to avoid potential loss of federal funding. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is reviewing funding under Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act, and has urged providers to comply with new restrictions.

Penn Medicine, which rarely treats minors in its gender-affirming care program, is notifying affected patients. The policy change applies to surgical procedures in specialties like plastic surgery and urology, but hormone therapy and medication remain available. Penn Medicine emphasized its commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ patients while adhering to federal guidelines.

Gender-affirming care, which addresses gender dysphoria, ranges from therapy to surgeries. Medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics support its use for minors when appropriate, citing mental health benefits. However, conservative lawmakers argue such treatments, especially surgeries, may pose risks. Data shows a rise in gender dysphoria diagnoses and use of puberty blockers, though surgeries remain rare among teens. Other Philadelphia health systems, like CHOP and Temple Health, have not clarified their stance on similar services.

This story originally appeared on Inquirer