Kerby Anderson

The Department of Health and Human Services has released a 409-page study that reviews the evidence concerning gender dysphoria and transgender medicine. President Trump’s January 28 executive order called for the department to publish a review of the literature on “best practices for promoting the health of children who assert gender dysphoria, rapid-onset gender dysphoria, or other identity-based confusion.”

The report finds that many of the studies done in support of transitioning minors suffer from serious methodological flaws. The report finds that U.S. medical associations create a perception of consensus in favor of pediatric medical transitions (puberty blockers, gender transition surgery). They also conclude there is “no evidence that pediatric medical transition reduces the incidence of suicide, which remains fortunately, very low.”

In many ways, the report reinforces others that have surfaced. The most significant was the UK’s Cass Review conducted by British pediatrician Hillary Cass. It found little evidence that puberty blockers and surgery improved the mental well-being of children. Other European countries (including Sweden and Finland) have also backed away from such medical interventions.

The growing international alarm about gender transitions hasn’t reached the U.S., until recently. That is probably why the report’s nine authors (medical doctors, medical ethicists, and a methodologist) chose to remain anonymous. They have seen the vicious attacks against anyone challenging transgender surgery.

Although the report makes no policy recommendations, it does challenge some of the current practices. This is what has been needed in the transgender debate.