A group of pediatricians, health policy organizations, and conservative groups have come together to push for the cessation of transgender medical treatments for children. The American College of Pediatricians (ACP) and their allies have released a statement urging mainstream medical associations like the American Academy of Pediatrics to discontinue their support for “gender-affirming care” for transgender youths. They argue that medical decisions should not be based on an individual’s self-proclaimed gender identity, as sex is a biological characteristic.
The coalition, known as “Doctors Protecting Children,” claims that current treatments for gender dysphoria, such as puberty blockers and cross-sex hormone therapies, have not been proven effective and may have harmful consequences for patients. However, this view is contradicted by the broader medical community, which considers gender to be a social construct and believes that affirming a person’s self-identity is crucial for their well-being.
While organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services support gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, some European countries have raised concerns about the use of puberty blockers and sex reassignment surgery for children and adolescents. For example, the U.K. recently limited access to hormone treatments to clinical trials only.
Doctors Protecting Children cites the Cass Review, a report from the U.K.’s National Health Service, to support their argument that transgender medical treatments for minors lack evidence of effectiveness. They suggest that psychotherapy for underlying mental health issues should be the primary treatment for children experiencing discomfort with their biological sex.
The coalition calls on various American medical institutions to stop promoting social affirmation, puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for children and adolescents struggling with their biological sex. They urge these organizations to follow the lead of their European counterparts and prioritize the well-being of children over controversial medical interventions.
Several Republican-led states, including Texas, have already taken steps to restrict the use of puberty blockers on minors, despite opposition from mainstream medical groups. The debate over transgender medical treatments for children continues to be a contentious issue, with conflicting perspectives from different medical organizations.
While some advocate for gender-affirming care as a way to improve the mental health and overall well-being of transgender individuals, others raise concerns about the potential risks and lack of evidence supporting these treatments. The ongoing discussion highlights the need for further research and dialogue to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and adolescents struggling with gender dysphoria.