Government examination of health care providers over potential failure to reveal transgender treatment risks under Trump administration

The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released a report in May, calling for medical ethics to be at the forefront of debates surrounding transgender care, particularly for minors. The report, which was contributed to by a team of medical doctors, medical ethicists, and a methodologist, has raised serious concerns about the potential risks associated with gender-related treatments.

According to the report, there has been a growing incidence of gender dysphoria among younger adults, attributed to increasing acceptance. However, the report also highlights a number of risks associated with gender-related treatments, including irreversible infertility, sexual dysfunction, reduced bone density, adverse cognitive impacts, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, psychiatric disorders, surgical complications, and regret.

The HHS report comes amidst a wave of changes in the provision of gender transition-related medical interventions. The Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., has announced that it will stop providing such interventions, citing escalating legal and regulatory risks. This decision follows a trend set by some U.S. organizations that discontinued offering gender-affirming medical treatments to minors following policy changes under President Donald Trump, primarily due to increased federal restrictions and political opposition to transgender healthcare for minors.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also investigating the matter. On Monday, the FTC announced an investigation into potential deceptive trade practices relating to gender-related treatment, particularly for minors. The FTC is evaluating whether consumers, particularly minors, have been harmed and whether medical professionals have violated FTC Act sections 5 and 12.

The Trump administration has been actively campaigning against transgender care for minors, leading many providers to discontinue such programs. The administration is also investigating healthcare providers for potential misrepresentation or failure to disclose risks of transgender procedures and care.

Despite ceasing gender transition-related medical interventions, the Children's National Hospital continues to offer mental health and other support services for LGBT patients. The hospital's decision does not affect its commitment to providing comprehensive care to the LGBT community.

The HHS report was compiled by contributors who represent a wide range of political viewpoints, chosen for their commitment to scientific principles. The report serves as a call for caution and ethical consideration in the provision of transgender care, particularly for minors, and underscores the need for further research and debate in this area.

As the investigation by the FTC continues, concerns about the potential risks associated with gender-related treatments remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding transgender care for minors. The Aug 30, 2021, deadline for the change in policy at the Children's National Hospital marks a significant milestone in this ongoing debate.

Government examination of health care providers over potential failure to reveal transgender treatment risks under Trump administration