Vanderbilt University Medical Center will cease providing gender-affirming surgeries for adults after years of offering the care. Following days of speculation, patients received messages on Friday through VUMC’s health portal confirming the change. Previously scheduled surgeries will proceed, but no new surgeries or consultations are being scheduled. Information shared with the Nashville Scene also indicates the departure of at least one plastic surgeon associated with the procedures.
VUMC, legally separate from Vanderbilt University since 2016, suspended gender-affirming surgeries for minors in 2022 after a state ban. In 2023, the health system provided a list of transgender patients’ records to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. Last year, VUMC reduced its specialized LGBTQ health clinic.
In a written statement, a VUMC spokesperson said: “Due to operational limitations and lack of surgical coverage, Vanderbilt Health will cease providing gender-affirming plastic surgeries for adults,” adding that nonsurgical gender-affirming care will continue for patients 19 and older. Gender-affirming surgery remains legal for adults in Tennessee. However, a bill restricting TennCare coverage has been advanced in the House.
