American College of Pediatricians Urges Rejection of Harmful Gender-Affirming Care Protocols
The American College of Pediatricians urges physicians to reject harmful gender-affirming care protocols for children and adolescents. They call out U.S.-based medical organizations for not updating their recommendations based on research findings. Evidence shows little to no benefit from gender-affirming interventions, and serious long-term risks are associated with such treatments.
Key Points
- Little to no benefit from gender-affirming interventions
- Serious long-term risks associated with social affirmation, puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries
- Advocacy for comprehensive evaluations and therapies targeting underlying psychological co-morbidities
Pros
- Highlighting the risks associated with social affirmation, puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries for children and adolescents experiencing distress over their biological sex.
- Advocating for comprehensive evaluations and therapies to address underlying psychological co-morbidities and neurodiversity in treating gender dysphoria.
Cons
- Failure of certain U.S.-based medical organizations to update their recommendations in light of important research findings.
- Evidence showing little to no benefit from 'gender-affirming' interventions for adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.