KQED's Forum Kaiser Bans Gender-Affirming Surgery For Minors. What's Next for Transgender Healthcare?
Jul 31, 2025
S. Baum, a correspondent focusing on trans issues, and Michelle Jurkiewicz, a clinical psychologist and co-author of 'Gender Explained', shed light on Kaiser Permanente's shocking decision to halt gender-affirming surgeries for minors. They discuss the emotional toll this policy has on families and patients, navigating healthcare systems under political pressure. The conversation reveals the broader implications for transgender healthcare rights, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible care and community support amid evolving political landscapes.
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Kaiser's Surgery Ban Signals Capitulation
- Kaiser Permanente's pause on gender-affirming surgeries for under 19 signals political capitulation ahead of litigation.
- The ban includes 18-year-olds, legal adults denied care despite parental consent.
Gender Care Faces Misinformation Backlash
- Gender-affirming care evolved from addressing kids with gender dysphoria discreetly to addressing adolescent needs.
- Misinformation stokes public anxiety by inaccurately portraying care as harmful or abusive.
Care Reduces Mental Health Risks
- Supportive family and gender-affirming care significantly reduce suicide and mental health risks in trans youth.
- Lack of support and denial of care exacerbate depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
