HHS Urges Health Care Providers to Reject Discredited Research on Child Gender Transitions

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a letter to health care providers, urging them to discard discredited research on child gender transitions and update treatment protocols based on HHS’ comprehensive review. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that irreversible procedures, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, pose significant risks, including sterilization.
Kennedy cited the Hippocratic Oath, stating, “First, do no harm,” and highlighted that the evidence for the benefits of pediatric medical transition is uncertain, while evidence of harm is less uncertain. He warned that when interventions pose unnecessary risks, providers should refuse them, even if demanded by patients or parents.
Kennedy also criticized the “World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s Standards of Care,” calling them fraudulent and marking a departure from evidence-based medicine. HHS’ review found that most children with gender dysphoria will grow out of it without intervention, and medical professionals cannot predict which patients will continue to experience dysphoria.
Kennedy urged providers to update their protocols and training to protect children from harm. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, praised Kennedy’s action, expressing concern over irreversible procedures being pushed against scientific data.
HHS’ report underscores the need for evidence-based care, cautioning against experimental practices that ignore long-term side effects and informed consent concerns.

Published: 5/29/2025