Top Surgeon's Warning: Risks of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

Dr. Steven Williams, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, voices concerns about the long-term effects of gender-affirming surgeries on minors and emphasizes the need for more evidence-based research.

Dr. Steven Williams, a renowned surgeon and president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, has expressed caution regarding the administration of gender-affirming care to minors. In an interview on "Fox & Friends First," Williams emphasized the importance of relying on evidence when determining appropriate patient care, especially in a rapidly evolving field like gender-affirming care.

Williams noted that while such care can involve hormonal or surgical interventions to align one's physical appearance or hormone levels with their chosen gender identity, there is still limited research on the long-term effects of these treatments, particularly in adolescents.

Top Surgeon's Warning: Risks of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

"For adolescents right now, the evidence, there's just not enough of it yet," Williams explained. "We have to really look to the evidence when we're thinking about what the appropriate care is for patients."

Despite claims by proponents that suppressing natural puberty with blockers or other gender-affirming care is detrimental to minors' mental well-being, Williams argues that potential long-term effects must be thoroughly considered.

Top Surgeon's Warning: Risks of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

"There are a lot of psychiatric and long-term results that we need to get better data on," he said. "This is a particularly vulnerable population."

Williams drew a distinction between gender-affirming care for minors and adults, stating that such care is well-established for adults. However, he remains cautious about minors due to the lack of long-term research and the potential for irreversible outcomes.

Top Surgeon's Warning: Risks of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

"Some treatments are easier [to reverse] than others," he said. "Top surgery, which involves reshaping the breasts, is one of the less complicated procedures to reverse. However, it does leave scars."

Williams' concerns echo those of other medical professionals and detransitioners, individuals who have undergone gender-affirming procedures and subsequently sought to reverse them. Chloe Cole and Prisha Mosley are vocal advocates against gender-affirming care for minors, warning of potential consequences.

Top Surgeon's Warning: Risks of Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

In response to concerns, the U.K.'s Conservative government has implemented regulations to restrict the prescribing and supply of puberty blockers for minors.

Williams emphasizes that compassion and interaction with patients are crucial aspects of medical care. However, he maintains that evidence should guide decision-making when determining the best course of action for individuals seeking gender-affirming care.

"Again, I think it's important to distinguish that we're talking about adolescent patients. For adults, this care is well-established," he said. "But for adolescents, we need more data to make sure that we're providing the safest and most effective care possible."