Staff Reports
In a shocking revelation, a study has uncovered that over 30 young girls, aged 12 to 17, who identified as transgender, underwent mastectomies in the Northern California healthcare system from 2013 to 2020. This study, published in May 2022, focused on female patients who received a gender-affirming mastectomy under the Kaiser Permanente Northern California healthcare system. It also measured the incidence of postoperative complications and regret among these patients.
What is truly concerning is that the age range of these young girls who underwent mastectomies. At least two patients were only 12 years old, and six patients were 13 years old when they were referred for these procedures. Can you believe it? Preteens barely old enough to understand the consequences of such a life-altering decision are being subjected to irreversible surgeries.
Little-Noticed Study Reveals 12 To 14-Year-Olds Had Their Breasts Chopped Off In California Healthcare System https://t.co/ulXTOFT15D via @dailycaller
— Lois Levine Fishman (@FishmanLevine) February 15, 2024
And the numbers don’t stop there. The study revealed that over 50 patients between the ages of 14 and 15 had mastectomies, while a staggering 60 patients were between the ages of 16 and 17. It seems like there’s a growing trend of young girls seeking gender-affirming surgeries, and it’s deeply alarming.
What’s even more shocking is that these surgeries were performed even without the patients having undergone hormone therapy or fully living in their desired gender role for a year, according to Kaiser’s care guidelines. This raises serious questions about the responsible decision-making process and the potential long-term consequences for these young girls.
The researchers behind the study claim that they hope to confirm their belief that regret and complications post-surgery are low. But how can they be so sure? Especially when they themselves admit that only a subset of patients were followed up for evaluation, and even among that group, 7.3% experienced complications and 10.9% needed further revisions. These numbers indicate a significant risk associated with these procedures.
Interestingly, the study noted that 127 of the patients claimed to be satisfied with the surgery, but only two patients expressed regret. It’s important to consider the context here. One of the regretful patients was in an “un-affirming and unsupportive home and social environment,” which might have influenced their feelings. Additionally, eight patients’ experiences were left undocumented, leaving room for uncertainty.
This study comes on the heels of another report that highlights the skyrocketing numbers of sex-change procedures for minors from 2016 to 2019. According to this report, over 3,600 teens between the ages of 12 and 18 underwent gender-affirming surgeries, including breast or chest reconstruction and even genital surgery. These numbers are truly concerning and raise questions about the standards of care being provided to our young people.
It is essential that we prioritize the well-being and long-term health of these vulnerable and impressionable individuals. It’s not about denying their struggles or dismissing their feelings, but we must be cautious when it comes to irreversible medical procedures. The decision to undergo such surgeries should be approached with extreme care and thorough evaluation, keeping in mind the potential consequences for individuals who may change their minds in the future.
It is crucial that we have a thoughtful and balanced conversation about the appropriateness of these procedures for minors and the potential long-term effects on their physical and mental health. This study serves as a wake-up call and should encourage policymakers, healthcare providers, and parents to critically examine the current practices surrounding gender-affirming surgeries for young girls. We must prioritize the well-being and future happiness of all individuals, regardless of their age or gender identity.
