Kaiser Pauses Youth Gender Surgeries Amid Federal Pressure

Kaiser Permanente, one of the nation's largest healthcare providers, will pause gender-affirming surgeries for patients under 19 beginning August 29, citing increased federal scrutiny and regulatory changes under the Trump administration. The decision follows an executive order and DOJ subpoenas directed at doctors and clinics that have pressured healthcare systems nationwide. While surgical procedures for minors are on hold, Kaiser will continue to offer puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone therapy to youth, and all gender-affirming care for adults. The move has sparked strong backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates and patients, while being praised by conservative groups. Other major hospitals, such as Stanford Medicine and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, have also scaled back or stopped surgeries for minors, but Oregon Health and Science University continues to offer the full spectrum of care. Kaiser has not provided a timeline for resuming surgeries for minors and affirms its commitment to evidence-based transgender care.