UPDATE: A new report from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) raises alarming concerns about pediatric gender-affirming care, suggesting that the risks significantly outweigh any purported benefits. The review, titled Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices, has just been released and is already stirring controversy among political and medical circles.
This critical analysis, co-authored by Moti Gorin, PhD, MBE, and Kathleen McDeavitt, MD, highlights serious ethical issues surrounding the current treatment model for gender dysphoria in minors. The report concludes that the foundations of widely accepted practices—such as puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones—are based on insufficient evidence and may lead to irreversible consequences for vulnerable youth.
The HHS review emphasizes that many patients who underwent early medical intervention were primarily same-sex attracted, raising justice-related concerns. It cites historical mishandling of same-sex attraction by the medical community, which could be repeating itself in the current approach to pediatric gender care.
The report points out that the initial model for gender-affirming care stemmed from a small Dutch study involving just 70 adolescents. Among these participants, one patient died due to surgical complications linked to early puberty blockers, while others faced severe health issues. This has led to thousands of parents mistakenly believing that medical interventions are essential for their children’s mental health.
What’s more, the review reveals that even prominent medical professionals have downplayed critical risks, including potential lifelong sexual dysfunction, which was notably absent from discussions surrounding early pubertal interventions. This lack of transparency is alarming for those advocating for the protection of minors in medical settings.
Countries like Finland and Sweden, often seen as progressive, have already moved to restrict these practices, finding no reliable evidence to support pediatric medical transition. Finland implemented strict regulations in 2020, followed by Sweden in 2022. The UK is expected to follow suit, and the HHS report aligns with these findings, suggesting a global reconsideration of current practices.
Moving forward, the HHS review advocates for less risky alternatives for minors with gender-related distress, emphasizing the need for talk therapy and social support rather than medicalization. This approach aims to help children explore their identities safely and maturely, potentially resolving discomfort through natural adolescent development.
As this urgent conversation continues, polling indicates that a significant majority of Democratic voters oppose pediatric medical transition, reflecting the polarized views among policymakers. The HHS report, however, urges all stakeholders—regardless of political affiliation—to prioritize ethical, evidence-based care for all children.
Next steps: Advocates on both sides of the aisle are being called to engage with this critical review and consider the implications of its findings. As discussions evolve, public attention on pediatric gender care is likely to intensify, making it essential that all stakeholders remain informed and involved.
This groundbreaking report challenges the status quo and calls for a reevaluation of practices surrounding pediatric gender dysphoria. For more details, read the full HHS review and stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.
