Penn Medicine no longer offering gender-affirming procedures for people under 19

Penn Medicine is no longer offering gender-affirming surgical procedures to patients under the age of 19, the health system confirmed to NBC Philadelphia.

Penn Medicine is no longer offering gender-affirming surgical procedures to patients under the age of 19, the health system confirmed to NBC Philadelphia on Thursday.

“As a result of current guidance established by the federal government, Penn Medicine will no longer be able to provide gender-affirming surgical procedures for patients under the age of 19,” PJ Brennan, Penn Medicine’s chief medical officer, said in a statement.

According to Brennan, this change specifically pertains to gender-affirming surgical procedures in plastic surgery, obstetrics & gynecology, urology and otorhinolaryngology.

“This is a difficult decision that we know impacts patients and families who place their trust in our care teams. We remain deeply committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all members of the communities we serve and providing comprehensive medical and behavioral health care and psychosocial support for LGBTQ+ individuals while complying with federal government requirements,” Brennan said.

Gender-affirming procedures and care have been a target of the Trump administration, with the president signing an executive order in January directing agencies to halt grants and funding that could be used for gender-affirming care for people under age 19.