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Surgeon Apologizes for Ignoring Child Gender Surgery Debate

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr. Ira Savetsky, a plastic surgeon from NYU Langone Health, apologized for not addressing gender reassignment surgeries for children as young as 13 during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
He criticized the pressure on parents regarding transgender treatments, claiming they are often coerced by the medical establishment.
NYU Langone Health recently suspended its youth transgender treatment program due to regulatory challenges and the departure of its medical director, but it stated that pediatric mental health services remain unaffected.

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Story summary

Dr. Ira Savetsky, a plastic surgeon from NYU Langone Health, apologized for not addressing gender reassignment surgeries for children as young as 13 during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
He criticized the pressure on parents regarding transgender treatments, claiming they are often coerced by the medical establishment.
NYU Langone Health recently suspended its youth transgender treatment program due to regulatory challenges and the departure of its medical director, but it stated that pediatric mental health services remain unaffected.