Should trans youth under 18 be permitted to undergo gender-confirmation surgery?

Miriam Baldwin
teacher | Somerville, Mass.
"Yes. For a child who’s been living as a different gender since the age of 3, it seems wrong for them to have to wait until they’re 18 to have their body correspond with who they are. When they’re that clear about their gender identity early on, it’s not going to change. I definitely feel this option should be a possibility, on a case-by-case basis."


Sophie Bonazoli
student | Worcester, Mass.
"Yes, I think the procedure should be available. Many children have a valid perception of their gender that should be respected. A lot of youth feel they’re being invalidated. It shouldn’t be a back-alley deal, though. With proper screening, I’m all for it."


Kira Hill
student | Lowell, Mass.
"Yes, it’s not the government’s business. There shouldn’t be an arbitrary minimum age set at 18. It’s nobody’s business, other than the child and their physician. Whatever makes the child comfortable in their own body should be the determining factor."


Ryan Ruopp
teacher | Ayer, Mass.
"Yes. We shouldn’t stop kids from doing the things that make them feel themselves. I might have questions about a 10-year-old making that decision. A child of 10 or under might not have a clear decision of what they’re giving consent to. But from 13 on up, I think it’s a decision they can make. They’re not going to make it lightly."


Newsletter Sign-up