Once again, the lines are drawn between those who believe in maintaining a cautious approach to healthcare for minors and those who think ‘progress’ should drive virtually every decision. In the most recent development, a gaggle of 19 Democrat-led states and Washington, D.C. have decided to file a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The issue at hand? Whether transgender surgeries for minors are appropriate and safe.
HHS declared that such procedures, which include puberty blockers and surgeries for kids, are not safe or effective. Demanding physicians steer clear of gender transition treatments for minors isn’t exactly a wild notion; rather, it’s a call for safeguarding our vulnerable youth. Yet, nearly 20 states argue that these choices belong solely to the doctor and patient, conveniently forgetting the massive implications tied to these life-altering procedures. Obviously, no one in these states ever thought a federal guideline might serve to protect the innocence and well-being of children.
It seems like science and common sense have taken a backseat here. HHS cites research and clinical data claiming gender-affirming care is safe and a necessary lifeline for adolescents with gender dysphoria. An assertion turned on its head by the mandate which seeks to restrict medical intervention. The truth is, American taxpayers should not be forced to fund ideologically-driven experiments that treat children as guinea pigs. Yet, some would still rather play politics than protect kids.
Paradoxically, while less than half of the country offers Medicaid programs that cover gender transition treatments, at least 27 states have already enacted laws to restrict or outright ban such interventions for minors. Strikingly, those states recognize the perils of diving headfirst into medical treatments with so many unanswered questions. The lawsuit is just beginning its legal journey, though, and who doesn’t love waiting to see what sorts of contorted arguments are forthcoming?
Meanwhile, states like Texas and other hospitals continue with these procedures, defying what is simply common judgment. It’s clear that for some, ideology takes precedent over sound medical practice. For now, all we can do is wait and watch as this lawsuit progresses, hoping that sanity prevails and the innocence of childhood is preserved. At the end of the day, it’s about ensuring kids don’t bear the brunt of adult decisions made in haste and uncertainty.
