Children’s Hospital Colorado has made the decision to no longer perform transgender surgeries for adults who identify as transgender. This decision comes after the hospital faced criticism and backlash for offering these procedures.
According to a representative for the hospital, Rachael Fowler, Children’s Hospital Colorado has never performed transgender surgeries on minors. However, they have decided to extend this policy to include adults as well. Procedures such as double mastectomies on healthy breasts, vaginoplasty, and penectomy will no longer be conducted at the hospital.
Fowler stated that the decision was prompted by “unprecedented referrals” and the safety concerns of their team members, patients, and families. Children’s hospitals across the country that offer gender-affirming care have faced direct threats, which may have influenced the hospital’s choice to halt these surgeries.
The Denver Post reported that Children’s Hospital Colorado has removed references to “gender-affirming care” from its website. This change may be a response to the controversy surrounding transgender surgeries and treatments for minors.
While Colorado has been progressive in establishing transgender surgeries and treatments as a right for minors, around 20 other states are seeking to restrict these procedures. Critics argue that these surgeries and treatments can cause irreversible harm and raise concerns about informed consent.
Despite the decision to stop performing transgender surgeries, Children’s Hospital Colorado will continue to provide controversial puberty blockers and hormone therapies to minors. These treatments are meant to delay the onset of puberty and align individuals with their gender identity.
The decision made by Children’s Hospital Colorado highlights the ongoing debate surrounding transgender healthcare and the rights of individuals who identify as transgender. It also underscores the challenges that hospitals and medical institutions face when providing gender-affirming care in an environment where it remains a highly contested issue.
As the conversation around transgender healthcare continues, it is likely that more hospitals and medical institutions will grapple with the ethical and safety considerations associated with these procedures. The decision made by Children’s Hospital Colorado serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding transgender healthcare and the need for further discussion and understanding on the matter.
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