SCOOP: HHS Report on Gender Dysphoria was Released today.

May 1
3 min read

Updated: May 2

Read my full critical assessment of the HHS report here:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Population Affairs (OPA) released a report today titled "Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices," igniting a fresh wave of debate in the already contentious discussion surrounding the care of transgender and gender-diverse youth.1 This report, commissioned following an executive order 2, presents a critical assessment of medical interventions for pediatric gender dysphoria, a perspective that diverges sharply from the widely accepted "gender-affirming" model of care endorsed by major medical associations.4

Key Arguments of the HHS/OPA Report:

The report voices significant concerns regarding the use of medical interventions like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria.2 It argues that a growing body of evidence points to substantial risks, including irreversible harms such as infertility, while asserting that the evidence supporting the benefits of these interventions for this population is weak.2 The report also highlights the subjective nature of gender dysphoria diagnosis and suggests that in many cases, the condition might resolve without medical intervention . In contrast to medical approaches, the HHS/OPA report strongly advocates for psychotherapy as a primary, non-invasive alternative for managing gender dysphoria in young people.

Diverging Views and Criticisms:

The conclusions of the HHS/OPA report stand in stark contrast to the views of major medical organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which support gender-affirming care as medically necessary for transgender youth.4 These organizations emphasize that gender-affirming care improves the mental health and overall well-being of transgender adolescents by aligning their physical traits with their gender identity. Research also indicates that access to such care is linked to lower rates of suicidality and depression among transgender youth.

Critics have accused the HHS/OPA report of injecting political ideology into medical science and selectively highlighting evidence to create fear around gender-affirming care. The report's promotion of "exploratory therapy" has been likened to the harmful practice of conversion therapy by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Furthermore, major medical groups have stated they were not consulted in the report's preparation, raising concerns about its accuracy and representation of the current medical consensus.

International Perspectives:

Interestingly, the HHS/OPA report points to a trend in some Western nations, Particularly following the release of the CASS Report, such as the UK, Finland, and Sweden, towards a more cautious approach to pediatric gender dysphoria, with restrictions on medical interventions and an emphasis on psychosocial support.1 These shifts are often driven by concerns about the quality of long-term evidence and the changing demographics of young people seeking care. However, the interpretation and implications of these international policy changes remain a subject of ongoing discussion.1 The HHS report relies heavily on the much maligned CASS Report.

Potential Societal Impact:

The findings of the HHS/OPA report have the potential for significant societal impact. They could influence the development of clinical practice guidelines and potentially lead to policies and legislation restricting access to gender-affirming care for all transgender and gender non-conforming Americans.4 This could create barriers for transgender people seeking medical care and might negatively affect their mental health and well-being.16 The report's framing could also shape public perception of transgender individuals and gender-affirming care, potentially increasing stigma and misunderstanding and opening the door to violence toward this already deeply marginalized group.4

A Need for Careful Consideration:

While the HHS/OPA report raises valid questions about the evidence base for medical interventions for pediatric gender dysphoria, its methodology and potential biases have drawn significant criticism. The report's conclusions contradict the consensus of leading medical organizations in the U.S..4 As the debate continues, it is crucial for policymakers, medical professionals, and the public to carefully consider the full spectrum of evidence and the potential impact on the lives of transgender and gender-diverse youth.

Read the full HHS Report Here: