Dr. Oz Triggers Firestorm After Graphic Remarks at Official Federal Briefing
WASHINGTON — Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), drew widespread attention and backlash Thursday after making unusually graphic remarks about genital surgeries for minors during a Trump administration press conference announcing proposed restrictions on federal funding for gender-affirming care.
Speaking alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Oz said the administration is moving to prohibit the use of Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds for puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgical procedures for transgender youth. The proposed rules are still in draft form and would require a public comment period before finalization.
During the briefing, Oz emphasized cost concerns and stated that “the creation of a penis costs on average in America $150,000 per child,” adding that “if you add testicles, that’s extra.” The remarks, delivered from the podium, quickly circulated online and became a focal point of criticism.
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Medical experts and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups argue that Oz’s comments misrepresented the prevalence of such procedures, noting that surgical interventions for minors are rare and that most gender-affirming care for youth involves counseling or non-surgical treatments. Several outlets described the remarks as disproportionate to the policy being discussed, fueling accusations that the administration was exaggerating the scope of care in order to justify the funding restrictions.
Administration officials defended the proposal, framing the measures as necessary to protect children and prevent taxpayer dollars from funding what they described as harmful or experimental treatments. Kennedy labeled pediatric gender-transition care “malpractice” and said federal programs should not subsidize it.
Reactions on social media were sharply divided. Supporters praised the move as a long-overdue step to safeguard minors and reduce public spending. Critics condemned it as discriminatory government overreach that inserts federal authorities into medical decisions traditionally made by families and doctors.
The proposed CMS rules have not yet taken effect and are expected to face legal challenges if finalized.
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