Research shows decline in gender-affirming surgeries following pre-pandemic rise

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed a decrease in gender-affirming surgeries in 2020, following a significant increase in the years leading up to the pandemic.

From 2016 to 2019, the number of gender-affirming procedures performed in the U.S. rose from 4,552 to 13,011. However, in 2020, the number decreased slightly to 12,818. Researchers attributed this decrease to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic but noted that it was relatively modest considering the elective nature of these procedures.

Despite this dip in 2020, there was still a significant overall increase in gender-affirming procedures from 2016 to 2020 compared to previous periods. In fact, these procedures nearly tripled during this time frame, even with the pandemic-related decline.

The study also highlighted that gender-affirming procedures were most common among patients between the ages of 19 and 30, while they were relatively uncommon among those under 18. In the study cohort, only a small percentage of patients between the ages of 12 and 18 underwent gender-affirming surgery. The researchers acknowledged the ongoing debate and legislative initiatives targeting access to these procedures for adolescents in several states.

In terms of regional differences, 22 states have implemented bans on providing medication or surgical care to transgender youths. However, many of these bans are contested in legal battles, according to the Movement Advancement Project.

The study also found distinctions among age groups in the types of gender-affirming procedures they received. Younger patients were more likely to undergo breast and chest procedures, while older patients were more likely to opt for genital surgery. The researchers attributed these variations to the complexity of genital surgeries and the permanent nature of reproductive organ removal.