The Health Department's Shaky Science: A Closer Look

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is under fire for a recent report that challenges gender-affirming care. The report, released just weeks after a presidential directive, has raised eyebrows due to its questionable methods and lack of transparency. The report claims that gender-affirming care is not medicine but malpractice. However, this goes against the consensus of major medical organizations. These groups agree that gender-affirming care improves the health of transgender youth. The report also ignores the fact that the number of trans patients who received gender-affirming surgery before 18 is very low. The report also stokes panic by suggesting that many young people are rushing into permanent changes. It also misrepresents the regret rate for gender-affirming care. The report also ignores the fact that allowing puberty to proceed is itself an irreversible change. The report has been criticized by the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. These groups say the report's claims are not based on sound science and could harm vulnerable young people and their families. The report's release comes at a time when many Americans are questioning the reliability of federal health agencies. This is due in part to the spread of conspiracy theories and misinformation. It is important to remember that vaccines save lives, Tylenol does not cause autism, and Wi-Fi is not mind control. These are conclusions based on decades of study. It is time for HHS to focus on making health care available to more Americans, not fewer. This includes ensuring that transgender and intersex people have access to the care they need.