The liberal-leaning Washington Post, owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, has voiced concerns over the insufficient evidence supporting gender-transition treatments for children.
For the editorial board of the Washington Post, the evidence claiming that gender treatments for minors like puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and surgeries is too thin and the risks are not well understood. (Related: Columnist Jonathon Van Maren reveals how leftists are manipulating language in debates on abortion, euthanasia and transgenderism.)
The editorial highlights a particular concern: the lack of comprehensive and methodical studies on these treatments. Early research, often cited by proponents of gender-transition treatments, is criticized for its small sample size and lack of a control group.
Moreover, the editorial points out a troubling trend within the medical community: An academic atmosphere where clinicians may be hesitant to disclose findings that do not strongly support these treatments. This has led to instances where studies that reveal no mental health benefits are either unpublished or not widely shared.
One such study, backed by nearly $10 million from the National Institutes of Health, observed 95 children, with an average age of 11, who were administered puberty blockers. Despite this significant funding, the results showed no meaningful improvement in mental health after two years. Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, the lead researcher, admitted to withholding the findings for political reasons, stating that it might aid those opposing these treatments.
The United States has seen a significant surge in the number of children seeking and receiving so-called "gender-affirming" care. Between 2019 and 2023, an estimated 14,000 children were either put on puberty blockers or received surgical gender reassignment. This has helped hospitals rake in nearly $120 million in profits from providing these treatments.
However, the lack of thorough research and the potential risks associated with these treatments have led to international scrutiny. Sweden and the United Kingdom have either halted or banned the use of puberty blockers in children.
The debate over gender-transition treatments for minors is deeply personal and emotionally charged, touching on profound questions about identity, rights, and the best interests of children.
In light of the current evidence, it's imperative to safeguard the rights of minors while also ensuring that their health and well-being are not jeopardized by treatments that may have uncertain and potentially severe side effects. As the Washington Post's editorial suggests, a more cautious approach is warranted until comprehensive and reliable studies can provide a clearer picture of the benefits and risks associated with these treatments.
Visit GenderConfused.com for more stories on gender transition treatments involving children.
Watch this video discussing how a Swiss couple lost custody of their child for refusing to provide puberty blockers.
This video is from the TNTVNews channel on Brighteon.com.
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