The Trump administration sent out new guidelines to healthcare providers and state medical boards prohibiting the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries to treat minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
“HHS expects you promptly to make the necessary updates to your treatment protocols and training for care for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria to protect them from these harmful interventions,” Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote in the letter.
Recommended Stories
- Cassidy argues allowing drug companies to profit helps medical industry discover new cures
- RFK Jr. may block government scientists from publishing in 'corrupt' medical journals
- Argentina joins US in WHO withdrawal after RFK Jr. visit
Kennedy shared that the “gender-affirming” care model was a cause of concern, saying it had a “very low” impact on quality of life and long-term health of patients.
The letter instructed healthcare providers and state medical boards to stop relying on the World Professional Association for Transgender Health for guidance in administering care to patients.
“These and other guidelines based on the so-called ‘gender-affirming’ model of care should not be relied upon to harm children any further,” it said.
Instead, Kennedy recommended talk therapy when administering care to minors struggling with gender dysphoria.
Kennedy also cited the U.K.’s Cass Review, which found that puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones posed a serious risk to a minor’s health, such as causing infertility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone density, and metabolic disorders, among a laundry list of other health concerns.
“The recent literature review shows that the ‘gender-affirming’ model of care is built on weak evidence and carries serious risks,” a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “Providers have an obligation to protect young patients from irreversible harm. HHS expects immediate updates to clinical protocols and will use every available tool to ensure accountability and the highest standards of care for America’s children.”
Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-LA) applauded HHS for its change in guidelines.
“As a doctor, I am extremely concerned that medical organizations continue to push irreversible gender transition procedures for children against scientific data. I applaud President Trump’s strong leadership in telling providers directly that these dangerous practices must end,” Cassidy said in a statement.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the White House for comment.