In a significant development for children's health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health and Office of Population Affairs, has published a comprehensive review that addresses the health of children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria. This extensive review analyzes the evidence and best practices regarding medical interventions aimed at transitioning youth away from their biological sex.
The review, which adopts an evidence-based medicine approach, raises serious concerns about various medical interventions, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures. These interventions are often promoted as solutions for individuals with gender dysphoria. However, the review emphasizes a growing body of evidence that points to significant risks associated with these treatments, including irreversible harms, such as infertility.
One of the most striking findings of the review is the very weak evidence supporting the benefits of medical transition for children and adolescents. This conclusion aligns with consistent findings from systematic reviews conducted globally. As the HHS review reveals, the risks associated with these unproven treatments cannot be overlooked, highlighting the urgent need for more robust research in this area.
This review not only addresses the medical implications of transitioning youth but also fills a significant gap in the existing literature regarding the ethical considerations of pediatric medical transition. HHS asserts that medical ethics should play a central role in discussions surrounding gender dysphoria treatments. The contributors to the review include medical doctors, ethicists, and methodologists from diverse political backgrounds, all selected for their commitment to scientific integrity.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), emphasized the critical responsibility of protecting children’s health. He stated, “Our duty is to protect our nation’s children—not expose them to unproven and irreversible medical interventions. We must follow the gold standard of science, not activist agendas.” This statement underscores the position that evidence-based practices should guide treatment options for youth facing gender dysphoria.
Before publication, the chapters of the review underwent a rigorous peer review process, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the findings. Furthermore, a post-publication peer review will commence shortly, involving a range of stakeholders with differing perspectives to enrich the discussion. Initially, the names of the review's contributors will remain confidential to uphold the integrity of the review process.
The release of this comprehensive review by HHS marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about gender dysphoria and the treatments available for affected youth. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of relying on scientific evidence and ethical considerations when making medical decisions that could have profound and lasting impacts on the lives of children and adolescents.
