The ongoing debate surrounding gender-transition treatment for minors has intensified, shedding light on significant concerns of potential child abuse. Dr. Rachel Levine, Health and Human Services assistant secretary, has been at the center of this controversy, advocating for underage puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. “Adolescence is hard and puberty is hard. What if you’re going through the wrong puberty? What if you inside feel that you’re female, but you’re going through male puberty?” Levine said on ABC’s Nightline. Levine targets children, barely out of puberty, who are confused (or may have been groomed) to believe their sex is wrong.
Opponents of Dr. Levine’s stance emphasize the importance of safeguarding children from irreversible procedures that can cause profound psychological and physical harm. The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds), a prominent group of medical experts, has strongly condemned these treatments, labeling them as child abuse. They contend that pushing children towards a lifetime of chemical and surgical alteration can have devastating effects, including sterilization and the destruction of perfectly healthy reproductive organs.
Dr. Michelle Cretella, executive director of ACPeds, states, “Conditioning children into believing that drastic interventions are the only solution to their gender dysphoria is not only misleading but also harmful. We must prioritize their well-being and provide comprehensive psychological support rather than rushing into irreversible medical procedures.”
Critics draw attention to the alarmingly high rates of regret and suicide attempts among individuals who have undergone gender reassignment surgery. The Guardian, in 2004, reviewed 100 studies and reported that 20% of transgender individuals experienced regret after undergoing the sex change. Such statistics, they argue, are conveniently overlooked by proponents of gender-transition treatment for minors, who often emphasize immediate affirmation and physical interventions without considering potential long-term consequences.
The ACPeds report challenges the prevailing narrative, asserting that the psychological nature of gender dysphoria should be the primary focus of treatment. They argue that the psychodynamic and social learning theories of gender dysphoria have never been disproven. The report highlights that as many as 98% of gender-confused boys and 88% of gender-confused girls eventually accept their biological sex after puberty, suggesting that a rush towards irreversible medical interventions may be misguided.
Governor Abbott of Texas, echoing the concerns of many, has taken a strong stance against gender-affirming treatments for minors, labeling them as child abuse. He has directed Texas Child Protective Services to investigate reported cases, aiming to protect the well-being of children. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton further supports these efforts, stressing the need to prioritize evidence-based practices and ensure the preservation of families.
Critics argue that the endorsement of sex change surgeries and hormone treatments by the Biden administration fails to consider the potential harm and long-term consequences for vulnerable minors. They caution against allowing politically motivated agendas to overshadow the well-being and natural development of children.
The controversy surrounding gender-transition treatment for minors raises pressing questions about the ethical considerations and potential harm involved. Advocates for cautious approaches assert the need for thorough evaluation and psychological support to address gender dysphoria in a comprehensive and compassionate manner. The protection of children’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being should be at the forefront of these discussions, ensuring that the path chosen is one that truly supports their long-term health and happiness.
At Free Sovereign we believe in freedom, the right to make choices, the right of the individual to be the individual. Inflicting surgeries and “woke” values onto children who know no better, convincing them to do things that are damaging and permanent is not protecting rights or freedoms. That is abuse, that is coercion, that is sick.