A recent report has revealed that more than 5,700 minors in the United States underwent gender-affirming surgeries between 2019 and 2023. The database, launched by the advocacy group Do No Harm, tracks the number of children receiving treatments for gender dysphoria, including surgeries, hormone therapy, and puberty blockers.
Database Highlights Gender-Affirming Care
The database, Does My Hospital Transition Kids?, was introduced to provide transparency on where these treatments are happening. According to the report, over 13,000 minors received some form of gender-affirming care during the four-year period, with 5,747 undergoing surgical procedures such as mastectomies and genital reassignment.
Cost of Treatments and State Variation
The data, gathered from insurance claims, shows that over 60,000 prescriptions for puberty blockers or hormone replacement therapy were issued to more than 8,500 children. The cost of these treatments amounted to $119 million nationwide, with California alone accounting for over $28 million from 2,000 patients. States like Oregon, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts also reported high numbers of minors undergoing irreversible surgeries.
Regional Differences in Care
The database’s analysis highlights significant regional variations in transgender medical care. In California, for example, 1,359 minors underwent surgical procedures, while other states saw fewer numbers. The disparity in care across the country underscores the complex landscape of transgender health services for minors.
Calls for Clarity and Public Insight
Stanley Goldfarb, chairman of Do No Harm, emphasised the importance of transparency in these figures. He noted that the database likely underestimates the total number of minors receiving gender-affirming care. The group hopes to provide policymakers, parents, and the public with clearer insights into the scope of these medical interventions.
Criticism from Activists
Chloe Cole, a prominent detransitioner who underwent gender-affirming treatment as a minor, criticised the medical field for treating children like “guinea pigs” for unproven procedures. Cole, who had a double mastectomy at 15, now advocates for greater caution in offering such treatments to minors. She urged parents and politicians to use the database to better understand where these treatments are taking place and protect children from irreversible decisions.
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