A major UK report says trans children are being let down by toxic debate and lack of evidence
A report from a senior doctor in England says children who question their gender identity are being let down by lack of evidence and a toxic political debate
LONDON (AP) — Children who question their gender identity are being let down by lack of evidence and a toxic political debate, according to a report Wednesday from a senior doctor in England.
Dr. Hilary Cass said there is “no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress,” and young people have been caught up in a “stormy social discourse” about the issue.
“Ideology on all sides has directed care, rather than care being directed by normal principles of pediatrics and mental health,” said Cass, a retired clinical pediatrician appointed to lead a review of gender services for young people by the state-funded National Health Service.
On April 1 doctors in England’s public health system stopped prescribing puberty-blocking hormones to children and young people with gender dysphoria. The decision came after recommendations in Cass’ earlier interim report, which said there is not enough evidence about the potential benefits and harms of the blockers, which help prevent people from developing physical features not in line with their gender identity, such as beards or breasts.
