Dr. Steven Williams, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), made it clear in a recent interview that he would not perform sex change procedures on children. In August, the ASPS became the first major medical association in the US to officially oppose these surgeries for minors, citing the need for “better data.”
During an interview on “Fox and Friends First,” co-host Todd Piro asked Dr. Williams for his thoughts on the ASPS’s stance and the controversy surrounding sex change procedures for minors. Dr. Williams responded by emphasizing the importance of evidence-based medicine and the need for more research in this newly developing field.
“The American Society of Plastic Surgeons really feels there is not enough evidence out there to support these type of procedure in minors at this time, adolescents,” Dr. Williams stated. “We’re talking about adolescent care, I think that’s an important thing to differentiate. There is host of different operations that could be considered as gender-affirming care, and they really involve a group of procedures that allow an individual to become more aligned with their gender identity.”
Dr. Williams also highlighted the vulnerable state of adolescent patients and the potential risks and long-term effects of these procedures. He referenced a report by Dr. Hilary Cass, former president of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health, which found “weak evidence” to support the use of puberty blockers for children and raised concerns about their potential harm.
In the United Kingdom, an “emergency ban” was imposed on the private prescription and supply of puberty blockers for minors, a decision that was upheld by a judge in July. Similarly, in the United States, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case challenging a Tennessee law that bans child sex change procedures.
Top Surgeon Breaks Down Why He ‘Won’t Even Entertain’ Gender-Bending Surgeries On Kids pic.twitter.com/arCyXdpkTJ
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) September 9, 2024
Dr. Williams stressed the importance of distinguishing between the care for adults and adolescents in this controversial field. While gender-affirming procedures may be well-established for adults, the same cannot be said for minors, and more research and evidence are needed before considering these procedures on children.
The ASPS’s official stance against sex change procedures for minors, as voiced by Dr. Steven Williams, is rooted in their dedication to evidence-based medicine and the best interest of their patients. As this topic continues to spark intense debate, the emphasis on safety and thorough research in providing gender-affirming care for adolescents is crucial.