After the world’s largest organization of plastic surgeons recommended delaying “transgender” surgery until a patient reaches the age of 19, the American Medical Association stated it would follow that guidance—but added a key word that set off alarm bells for one medical watchdog group.

The AMA, America’s most influential doctor association, has long advocated against laws to restrict experimental transgender interventions euphemistically described as “gender-affirming care.” This activism may complicate any attempt to shift from previous support for these interventions.

“It is no surprise the AMA chooses to leave itself wiggle room, given its record of opposing government protections for minors from harmful transgender procedures,” Dr. Kurt Miceli, a board-certified physician in psychiatry and internal medicine who serves as chief medical officer at Do No Harm, told The Daily Signal on Thursday.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, citing a peer-reviewed study from the Department of Health and Human Services, concluded that “there is insufficient evidence demonstrating a favorable risk-benefit ratio for the pathway of gender-related endocrine and surgical interventions in children and adolescents.”

“ASPS recommends that surgeons delay gender-related breast/chest, genital, and facial surgery until a patient is at least 19 years old,” the society added.

The American Medical Association told National Review that it agrees with ASPS, but critics say it misstated the society’s position.

“Our colleagues at ASPS concluded that the........

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