Penn Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania’s medical branch, has announced it will no longer conduct gender-affirming surgical procedures on individuals under the age of 19.

According to the Christian Post, the change comes in response to a new executive order from President Donald Trump that bans federal involvement in gender transition procedures for minors.

The decision was shared Thursday in a post from The Daily Pennsylvanian, the university’s student-run newspaper, and quickly generated widespread attention. The announcement marks one of the first high-profile institutional responses to Trump’s recent executive action on youth gender transitions.

Executive Order Limits Federal Support

The executive order, issued just one week after Trump regained the presidency, directs all federal agencies to stop funding or facilitating medical transitions for those under 18. It includes limitations on puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and surgeries intended to align a young person’s physical appearance with their gender identity.

This directive also requires government agencies to ensure that institutions benefiting from federal research or educational grants cease providing such procedures to minors. In addition, existing medical guidelines based on international standards, including those from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, must be revised or repealed.

Dr. Patrick Brennan, who serves as chief medical officer and senior vice president of Penn Medicine, emphasized that the institution’s updated policy focuses strictly on surgical interventions. In a written statement, he acknowledged the emotional burden the change places on families and patients.

Penn Seeks to Align With Federal Compliance

“This is a difficult decision that we know impacts patients and families who place their trust in our care teams,” Brennan said. While surgical services for minors will end, he reaffirmed the hospital's overarching commitment to serving LGBTQ+ individuals through behavioral health and other supportive services.

“We remain deeply committed to ensuring a respectful and welcoming environment for all members of the communities we serve,” Brennan added. “We will continue providing comprehensive medical and behavioral services while complying with federal government requirements.”

The halt on surgeries at Penn Medicine occurs amid a growing number of state-level bans. More than two dozen states, including Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Utah, have already passed laws restricting gender transition procedures for minors, particularly those involving hormones or surgery.

Scrutiny of Medical Protocols and Outcomes

According to the executive order and federal officials, puberty blockers such as GnRH agonists are restricted due to potential side effects. These include risks like bone thinning, mood instability, and cognitive or neurological complications, particularly when used in combination with cross-sex hormones.

The use of androgen blockers, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone in minors is also curtailed by the new federal directive. Long-term exposure to these hormones has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers, based on findings cited by pediatric health organizations.

Gender-affirming surgeries for youth often involve the removal or alteration of healthy body structures such as the breasts, testicles or penis. Under the Trump administration’s guidelines, these procedures are now considered ineligible for federal support if performed on individuals under 19.

Federal Agencies Demand Transparency

On the same day as the Penn Medicine announcement, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services contacted hospitals across the country. The letters requested detailed disclosures about policies for obtaining consent in cases of youth gender dysphoria.

Hospitals were asked to share how decisions are made regarding a child's ability to agree to treatment and when parents are consulted. In addition, facilities were told to report any updates they are making to their clinical practices as a result of new directives from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Hospitals were also required to submit comprehensive financial reports breaking down any federal or taxpayer funding used to support gender-transition procedures. The request signals an effort to increase transparency and trace the use of public funds in gender medicine programs.

National Impact and Institutional Response

Penn Medicine is one of the first major academic institutions to publicly alter its medical protocols in response to Trump’s new executive order. Its action may serve as a blueprint for other hospitals and university medical centers seeking to remain eligible for federal funding.

The developments reflect the broader national discussion about medical treatment for transgender youth, a debate that continues to drive legislative efforts and legal challenges across the United States. With a growing number of providers now navigating dual pressure from state laws and federal policies, changes like Penn’s may become more common.

As institutions seek to balance compliance with patient care, many remain under scrutiny not only from government regulators but also from advocacy groups on both sides of the issue. For now, Penn Medicine’s decision signals a shift in how major health systems may respond to federal intervention on gender identity healthcare.