A coalition of attorneys general from across the nation is demanding that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reverse its stance on supporting transgender procedures for children. They are specifically targeting the use of puberty blockers and surgeries, arguing that these treatments are medically unnecessary and could have harmful long-term consequences.
In a letter addressed to the AAP, Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador accuses the organization of abandoning its commitment to sound medical judgment. He contends that the majority of children diagnosed with gender dysphoria eventually grow out of it by the time they reach adolescence or adulthood. He further emphasizes the ethical concerns of subjecting children to biologically altering drugs with unknown long-term effects.
The letter highlights the AAP’s claim that puberty blockers are “reversible,” which the attorneys general consider scientifically unsubstantiated and contradictory to established medical knowledge. They argue that this misleading statement raises concerns under state consumer protection laws, as pediatricians rely on the AAP’s guidance in making treatment decisions.
The AAP has consistently defended its support for “gender-affirming care” and has published reports emphasizing the importance of affirming transgender youth’s preferred gender identities. In response to criticism, they have published reports arguing that restricting access to these treatments can lead to poor mental health outcomes.
This controversy comes amidst growing national debate surrounding transgender procedures for minors. Unsealed documents revealed that officials in the Biden administration pressured the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) to remove the age limit from its guidelines for transgender surgical procedures for adolescents.
The attorneys general involved in the letter represent Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, as well as the president of the Arizona Senate and the speaker of the Arizona state House of Representatives.
This issue has become a significant talking point in the 2024 election, with many candidates expressing strong views on the topic. This situation further underscores the complexities and controversies surrounding the intersection of medical advancements, social norms, and individual rights in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the AAP for comment on this letter and the ongoing debate.
