| Philadelphia, Pa. – February 5, 2026 – On February 3, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) issued a formal “Position Statement on Gender Surgery for Children and Adolescents.” The Catholic Medical Association (CMA), the largest association of Catholic medical professionals in the country, commends the ASPS for its recognition of the increasing evidence of lifelong harm done to minors undergoing sex-rejecting procedures, as well as the lack of scientific studies supporting these surgical interventions. The ASPS statement outlines the “growing uncertainty about the benefits of medical and surgical interventions.” This is of particular concern given established data that the large majority of prepubertal children suffering with gender dysphoria will have decreased or resolved distress by the time adulthood is reached. The “principles of beneficence and non-maleficence” are emphasized in the ASPS document, as well as the “expectation that the anticipated benefits outweigh potential harms” with any interventions. That expectation has not been convincingly demonstrated in gender transition procedures, whether medical or surgical. Importantly, ASPS has taken the position that these very questionable surgeries should be delayed “until a patient is at least 19 years old,” recognizing the limitations in a younger patient’s understanding of the risks and long-term implications of these operations. “The Catholic Medical Association has consistently maintained opposition to gender transition interventions, especially in minors,” said association President David J. Hilger, M.D. ” The use of such sex-rejecting procedures fails to recognize the scientific fact that biological sex is established, determinate, and unchangeable. No medication or surgery can alter that fact.” Dr Tim Millea, the chair of the Health Care Policy Committee expressed CMA’s gratitude for ASPS and its expression of concern and caution. “We look forward to many other medical organizations providing similar warnings about these interventions,” he said. |
| ### The Catholic Medical Association is the largest national, physician-led community of Catholic health care professionals. CMA’s mission is to inform, organize, and inspire its members, in steadfast fidelity to the teachings of the Catholic Church, to uphold the principles of the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine. Media inquiries, please contact: Nadia Smith [email protected] www.cathmed.org |
