A recent review by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on pediatric gender transition risks being dismissed due to its findings going against the medical community’s established practices. However, it is essential to consider the evidence-based conclusions presented in this report.
Unlike some organizations that have been accused of ideological bias, HHS conducted an independent review using a diverse team with expertise from various fields. The results were verified by multiple peer reviewers and methodology experts, including those at Cochrane Belgium. Their conclusions confirm that the assumed benefits of pediatric medical transition are uncertain, while the risks are significant.
This issue highlights a problem within the US healthcare system where some specialist groups have been pressured to adopt certain treatment models based on party politics. The HHS review points out that there is growing international skepticism about pediatric medical transitions, with research indicating flawed studies and misleading information being presented as evidence.
The authors of this report are not anti-LGBTQ+ but rather critical of the lack of transparent and evidence-based practices in some clinics. They emphasize the importance of considering all aspects of evidence appraisal and acknowledge that low-quality evidence does not necessarily mean a treatment is effective.
Ultimately, it’s crucial for medical professionals to engage with the substance of this debate rather than relying on partisan framing or expert endorsements. By examining the HHS review supplement, readers can form their own opinions about pediatric gender transition.
Source: https://www.statnews.com/2025/12/08/hhs-gender-dysphoria-minors-report-authors