HHS Report Critiques Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth, Sparks Controversy
A new HHS report questions the efficacy of transition care for minors, igniting backlash from medical associations and advocacy groups.
The report represents neither established law nor clinical standards—and won’t affect the treatment he provides to his patients.
“An Anti-Trans Fever Dream”: HHS Publishes Attack on Gender-Affirming Youth Care
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The review's findings mark a significant break between the federal government and the stance of major U.S. medical associations — including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association — which support access to transition-related care for minors and oppose restrictions on it.
HHS breaks with major U.S. medical groups in review of pediatric gender care
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The report describes that approach as fundamentally misguided.
Health care for transgender children questioned in 400-page Trump administration report
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The report’s conclusion is consistent with evidence from medical professionals, while keeping the issue of ethics at the center of the review, the HHS noted.
HHS report highlights weak evidence behind trans procedures
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The language used in the report expresses a shift in policy and in sentiments regarding gender-affirming care—referring to the practice only as “Pediatric Medical Transition” and referring to “gender confirmation surgery” as “sex reassignment surgery.”
HHS Report Urges "Exploratory Therapy" for Transgender Youth
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Adverse mental health conditions in teenagers and young adults have been on the rise since 2010, with some studies suggesting that diagnoses of depression and anxiety have more than doubled, says the report.
HHS review says US medical boards failed children with gender dysphoria - Washington Examiner
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The Trump administration’s report says “many” U.S. adolescents who are transgender or are questioning their gender identity have received surgeries or medications.
Trump's HHS urges therapy for transgender youth, departing from broader gender-affirming health care
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The report contradicts American Medical Association guidance, which urges states not to ban gender-affirming care for minors, saying that “empirical evidence has demonstrated that trans and non-binary gender identities are normal variations of human identity and expression.”
Trump’s health agency urges therapy for transgender youth, not broader gender-affirming health care
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The HHS report also criticized the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and U.S. medical associations for “creating a perception of professional consensus” regarding how gender-affirming care should be practiced.
RFK Jr.'s HHS releases controversial report on gender-affirming care. Here's what it says.
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This latest HHS report, which Trump called for while campaigning last year, represents a reversal in federal policy.
Trump's health agency urges therapy for transgender youth, not broader gender-affirming health care
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Summary
The Trump administration's new HHS report argues that evidence for gender-affirming care’s benefits for transgender youth is low, criticizing existing practices. The 409-page document asserts many doctors fail their patients by providing such care and calls for a return to psychotherapy over medical interventions. The HHS findings were met with strong backlash from major medical associations, who argue they misrepresent the medical consensus. Critics suggest the report mirrors discredited practices like conversion therapy, igniting political and legal debates, especially as a Supreme Court ruling on state bans approaches. The report may influence access to transition care nationwide.
Perspectives
The HHS review critiques the current practices for treating minors with gender dysphoria, indicating that many U.S. medical professionals may be falling short in prioritizing young patients' health interests, as the evidence surrounding the effects of transition-related care is found to be of low quality.
The report highlights criticisms of established organizations like WPATH for potentially promoting biased guidelines while suggesting a lack of consensus in the medical community regarding the treatment and care for gender dysphoria, calling for more comprehensive research and transparency.
The HHS review emphasizes exploratory psychotherapy as a viable non-invasive alternative to medical interventions, while also noting the ongoing debate over the quality of evidence supporting both the risks and benefits of gender-affirming care.
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