A group of international experts has cautioned against the “exaggeration of benefits and minimization of risks” of gender-affirming care, including sex-swap drugs and surgeries, in the treatment of gender-confused young people in the United States. In a letter to the Wall Street Journal, the group of 21 clinicians and researchers from nine countries argued that the care provided to these individuals is driven by political ideology rather than evidence.
The experts debunked a claim made by America’s Endocrine Society that scientific research supports the notion that medical interventions improve the well-being of gender-confused individuals. The letter emphasized that the claim is not supported by the best available evidence, with systematic reviews consistently finding low or very low certainty in the mental health benefits of hormonal interventions for minors. On the other hand, the risks associated with these interventions, such as sterility, lifelong dependence on medication, and the possibility of regret, are significant.
The group of professionals expressed surprise at the position of the Endocrine Society and highlighted that European countries and international professional organizations prioritize talking therapies over hormones and surgeries in the care of gender-confused individuals. They described the political ideology-driven healthcare in the US as unfortunate and called for medical societies to align their recommendations with the best available evidence.
In England, NHS England announced in June that it will not routinely commission puberty-blocking drugs for gender-confused children and young people. The decision came following a review of clinical practice at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust’s Gender Identity Development Service. Under interim specifications, the primary intervention for gender-confused individuals in the new service will be psychological support.
The cautionary stance of these international experts highlights the need for a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to the care of gender-confused young people, prioritizing their well-being and considering potential risks and long-term outcomes.