In a recent meeting held in Itasca, Illinois, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reaffirmed its support for gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender youth. The AAP’s 16 board members reauthorized the academy’s 2018 guidance for treating transgender youth, which emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate healthcare.
While expressing confidence in the existing evidence supporting medical care for transgender youth, the board recognized the need for a systematic review of research on gender-related medical treatments for minors. This review could provide valuable new information to further support the AAP’s recommendations.
Critics have described gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and gender-affirming surgery, as unproven and ineffective. However, the AAP’s guidance stands firm, stating that current policies are appropriate based on the available evidence. The board also announced plans to issue additional clinical guidance and update recommendations if necessary following the review.
The AAP’s guidance will remain valid for five years, after which it will be reaffirmed, retired, or revised based on new evidence. Previous clinical evidence cited by the AAP suggests that gender-affirming care has a positive impact on the mental health of transgender youth, who face higher rates of depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide without proper care.
Despite the support of the AAP and the American Psychiatric Association, gender-affirming care for minors has been banned in 19 states. However, the AAP has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union to provide amicus briefs for legal challenges to anti-trans legislation.
Dr. Lee Savio Beers, a past president of the AAP, emphasized the academy’s commitment to patient care. Pediatricians will continue to advocate for their patients and ensure that transgender and gender-diverse youth receive the necessary and deserving care.
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