Transgender 18-year old attemps top surgery on himself at home due to lack of access
Summary
A New Zealand teen was sent to the emergency department after an attempt to perform top surgery. The teen faced a long wait time in the public healthcare system or a costly private operation. The widespread lack of access often leads to gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria occurs when people feel uncomfortable in their bodies because and is exacerbated if they cannot access gender affirming care. The article explains how the high cost of these surgeries places young adults in difficult situations.
Relevance
The article reveals the importance of providing gender affirming care, and ensuring access in a timely and cost effective manner. As a result, of gender affirming procedures being inaccessible in New Zealand, people experiencing gender dysphoria may attempt to perform the surgeries themselves. People without adequate medical expertise should not perform surgeries themselves because it places their life at risk.
