Health and Human Services Department Publishes Updated Report
The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) has released an updated report evaluating the risks associated with pediatric gender-transition treatments. This new version includes external peer reviews and identifies the authors of the original document.
The supplement to “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices” builds upon the initial findings from May 1, incorporating nine peer reviews, including one from the American Psychiatric Association, along with responses to those reviews and a list of contributors.
The HHS stated that these peer reviews either confirmed or challenged the original report’s conclusions, which indicated that the harms associated with puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries are significant, long-lasting, and often overlooked.
The announcement was made by Adm. Brian Christine, who succeeded Rachel Levine as assistant secretary for health. In a video statement, he emphasized that nearly 200 pages of independent peer reviews support their findings. He noted that countries like the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Finland have shifted their focus towards psychotherapy for children questioning their gender identity.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society were invited to provide peer reviews but declined to participate. Meanwhile, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized medical organizations defending gender-transition treatments for minors.
“The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics peddled the lie that chemical and surgical sex-rejecting procedures could be good for children,” Mr. Kennedy stated. “They betrayed their oath to first do no harm.”
The American Psychiatric Association’s review described the report as biased due to a lack of consultation with key stakeholders such as transgender individuals and their families. They argued that while potential harms of medical interventions are highlighted, there is insufficient scrutiny regarding risks associated with withholding treatment.
The contributors to this report include experts in medicine, bioethics, psychology, and philosophy who have expressed skepticism about administering drugs or surgeries to minors seeking gender transition. Notable contributors include medical professionals from various universities as well as public intellectuals critical of current practices.
The LGB Courage Coalition praised these contributors for risking their careers by voicing dissenting opinions in today’s political climate. Jamie Reed, a former pediatric clinic staffer turned whistleblower, remarked on their commitment to safeguarding youth amidst evolving medical evidence.
“Their work affirms what many of us have seen firsthand: LGB youth deserve protection,” said Reed.
