ACPeds Applauds the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for Now Protecting Minors from Sex-Rejecting Surgeries

For Immediate Release:
February 4, 2026

For More Information Contact:
connect@acpeds.org

ACPeds Applauds the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for Now Protecting Minors from Sex-Rejecting Surgeries

Atlanta, GA – Yesterday, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) issued a new Position Statement cautioning physicians against performing sex-rejecting surgeries on minors with sexual identity disorder, making it the first major medical organization to disavow such recommendations.

For years, the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) has been the leading medical organization exposing the dangers of sex-rejecting procedures on minors. In 2023, ACPeds launched www.BiologicalIntegrity.org as a reliable medical resource on the topic of gender dysphoria for parents, teens, physicians, schools, and policymakers.

Michael Artigues, MD, FCP, ACPeds President, released the following statement:

“I urge the presidents of other medical organizations to follow the example of ASPS and also reverse their guidance pushing for sex-rejecting interventions on minors. Such measures on minors are not backed by evidence-based medicine and cause physical, mental, and emotional harm to these children.”

Michelle Cretella, MD, FCP, Chair of the Adolescent Sexuality Committee for ACPeds stated:

“ACPeds applauds our plastic surgery colleagues for joining us in a commitment to science and the medical ethics principle of first do no harm. Sex-rejecting chemical and surgical interventions cause serious long-term irreversible harm to our most vulnerable children and teens. These interventions must not be tolerated any longer.”

Al Oliva, MD, FACS, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and member of ACPeds had the following to say:

“As a surgeon, I know how invasive and permanent sex-rejecting surgeries are on children and adolescents. Youth with sexual identity disorder are already going through so much suffering, and their underlying psychological problems should be addressed instead of medicalizing them and exposing them to harmful and irreversible procedures that will destroy their fertility, sexual function, bone and brain maturation and have serious metabolic consequences, with no evidence that their underlying psychological problems will improve. Lawmakers must continue to pass legislation to protect our kids from such interventions.”

To arrange an interview with Dr. Artigues, Dr. Cretella, or Dr. Oliva of ACPeds please email connect@acpeds.org.

###

About the American College of Pediatricians

The American College of Pediatricians is a national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children.

For more information, please visit our website.