A group of 21 clinicians and researchers from nine countries have signed an open letter expressing their disagreement with the prevailing treatment methods of gender dysphoria in the United States. They argue that the “best available evidence” does not support the use of sex-change procedures as a treatment for gender dysphoria, particularly in minors.
In their letter, published in the Wall Street Journal on July 13, the group of endocrinologists highlighted that every systematic review of evidence to date has found the evidence for mental-health benefits of hormonal interventions for minors to be of low or very low certainty. They specifically criticized the endorsement by the Endocrine Society, the professional organization for physicians who specialize in hormones, of minors receiving hormone treatments that block puberty.
The experts’ concerns were sparked by the Endocrine Society’s criticism of an op-ed published in the WSJ on June 28. The op-ed, co-authored by Ian Kingsbury, Ph.D., and Dr. Roy Eappen, a member of the Endocrine Society, criticized a federal court ruling that struck down an Arkansas law banning sex-change procedures for minors. The court had relied on the Endocrine Society’s guidelines on sex-change procedures for minors, describing them as widely-accepted clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of gender dysphoria.
In their op-ed, Dr. Eappen and Mr. Kingsbury argued that the Endocrine Society’s guidelines were based on low-quality evidence and influenced by transgender activists. They emphasized the need for more scientific support and caution in providing irreversible treatments to young patients.
In response, Dr. Stephen Hammes, President of the Endocrine Society, wrote a counter op-ed published in the WSJ on July 4. Dr. Hammes defended the society’s clinical practice guideline, stating that it was developed through a rigorous and transparent process based on extensive evidence and input from its 18,000 members. He cited more than 2,000 studies published since 1975 that support the claim that gender-affirming care improves the well-being of transgender and gender-diverse people and reduces the risk of suicide.
However, the 21 clinicians and researchers refuted these claims in their open letter. They argued that the evidence for mental health benefits of hormonal interventions for minors is not supported by the best available evidence. They highlighted the significant risks associated with these procedures, such as sterility, lifelong dependence on medication, and the anguish of regret. They also contradicted the claim that gender transition reduces suicides, stating that no reliable evidence supports this notion.
The group of experts called for medical societies to align their recommendations with the best available evidence and urged caution in both exaggerating the benefits and minimizing the risks of gender-affirming care. They emphasized the importance of psychotherapy as the first line of treatment for gender-dysphoric youth, a recommendation that is gaining traction in more European countries and international professional organizations.
The open letter was signed by clinicians and researchers from various countries, including Finland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, France, Switzerland, South Africa, and the United States. The group criticized the politicization of transgender healthcare in the U.S. and emphasized the need for medical societies to base their recommendations on the best available evidence.
As discussions surrounding gender dysphoria and its treatment methods continue, it is vital for medical professionals and researchers to consider and evaluate the existing evidence to ensure the best possible care for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria.
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