The topic of puberty blockers and gender-affirming care for transgender teenagers has been a subject of much debate in recent years. A new study has shed some light on the issue, revealing that puberty blockers are rarely prescribed to US transgender teenagers. The analysis of over 5 million children in the US found that only a minority of transgender or gender-diverse adolescents are prescribed puberty blockers, with rates of 20.81 per 100,000 for biological females and 15.22 per 100,000 for biological males.
This news is a welcome relief for those who have been advocating for the rights of transgender individuals to access the medical care they need. Puberty blockers are a crucial part of gender-affirming care, allowing young people to delay physical changes that may not align with their gender identity. The fact that these medicines are only rarely prescribed suggests that the process of accessing them is rigorous and that they are not being handed out frivolously.
The study’s findings also counter public concern that gender-affirming care is being over-prescribed to minors. In reality, the data shows that adolescents with gender dysphoria almost never get gender-affirming surgeries in the US, with rates of 2.1 per 100,000 for those aged 15-17 and 0.1 for those aged 13-14. No procedures were done on children aged 12 or younger.
It’s heartening to see that the medical community is taking a comprehensive and individualized approach to caring for transgender youth. Puberty blockers are just one option among many, and they are typically part of a broader care plan that takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of each young person.
However, the debate over gender-affirming care for children is not without its challenges. In the US, 24 states have imposed restrictions on doctors who offer gender-affirming care to minors, and 17 states are facing lawsuits that challenge these rules. This kind of restrictive legislation can have a devastating impact on the lives of transgender young people, who may be forced to travel long distances or seek out underground medical care in order to access the treatments they need.
In contrast, many European countries have taken a more progressive approach to gender-affirming care, recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive and compassionate medical care to transgender individuals. While there are still debates and challenges to be navigated, the fact that puberty blockers are rarely prescribed to US transgender teenagers suggests that the US has a long way to go in terms of providing equal access to medical care for all.
Ultimately, the goal should be to ensure that all young people, regardless of their gender identity, have access to the medical care they need to thrive. By providing comprehensive and individualized care, we can help support the health, wellbeing, and happiness of transgender teenagers, and give them the best possible chance of living fulfilling and authentic lives.