OHSU's Shocking Decision: 19 and Under Can No Longer Get Gender Surgery—What This Means for Thousands!

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), recognized as one of the leading providers of transgender health services in the United States, has recently paused all gender-affirming surgeries for patients aged 19 and under. This change became effective in March 2025, with the last surgery performed on a minor occurring in February of the same year. According to Sara Hottman, a spokesperson for OHSU, the academic medical center lacks the necessary surgical care team to cater to this age group, prompting the decision to halt scheduling these surgeries.

The announcement was first reported by Willamette Week and highlights a broader trend in healthcare policies regarding transgender youth. Hottman stated, “At this time, OHSU does not have the surgical care team available to provide gender-affirming surgeries to patients younger than 19.” This change comes against a backdrop of increasing federal pressure to limit access to gender-affirming care for minors, particularly since the entrance of President Donald Trump into office.

In January 2025, Trump signed an executive order that sought to restrict federal funding for gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. This directive specifically targeted essential interventions such as puberty blockers, hormone therapies—including androgen blockers, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—as well as surgical procedures. Initially, OHSU officials indicated that this order would not have an immediate impact on patient care, but the recent change suggests otherwise.

Gender-affirming surgeries have historically been rare for minors at OHSU, with fewer than 30 patients under the age of 17 receiving such surgeries in the prior two years. However, it remains unclear how many surgeries were performed on those aged 18 and 19. While surgical options have been suspended, Hottman reassured that OHSU's Transgender Health Program continues to provide gender-affirming medical services to patients under 19, including critical interventions like puberty-blocking drugs and hormone therapy.

Advocates for transgender youth argue that these treatments can be life-saving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that transgender teens face a significantly higher risk of suicide attempts compared to their peers. A 2020 study indicates that adolescents receiving drug treatments to affirm their gender identity experienced improved mental health outcomes. However, the debate over these treatments has intensified, with opponents contending that minors lack the maturity to consent to such medical care, leading to calls for stricter regulations nationwide.

In response to federal actions, several hospitals across the country have rolled back or completely terminated gender-affirming care services for youths. For instance, last summer, Kaiser Permanente announced it would cease providing gender-affirming surgeries for minors starting in August 2025 at its hospitals and clinics, including locations in Clackamas and Hillsboro, Oregon.

The atmosphere surrounding gender-affirming care has become increasingly fraught, particularly with the Trump administration’s threats to withhold federal grants from medical institutions that continue to provide these essential services to minors. Additionally, the administration has limited insurance coverage for gender-affirming treatments under the Affordable Care Act marketplace plans and signaled potential legal actions against clinics and providers offering this specialized care.

As healthcare providers navigate this shifting landscape, the implications for transgender youth and their access to necessary medical treatments remain profound. The decisions made by institutions like OHSU and Kaiser Permanente not only reflect the challenges of operating within a politically charged environment but also speak to the urgent need for comprehensive, supportive care for transgender individuals.