Attorneys General Urge AMA to Clarify Stance on Puberty Blockers
A group of 20 attorneys general is calling on the American Medical Association (AMA) to clarify its support for puberty blockers in children. They argue that this position seems inconsistent with the AMA’s recent opposition to gender-related surgeries for minors, citing a lack of evidence.
In a letter penned by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, members of the coalition expressed their agreement with a statement from the American Association of Plastic Surgeons. That statement noted that surgeries related to gender should be delayed until adulthood due to insufficient evidence supporting these interventions.
However, the attorneys general contend that the evidence supporting puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for treating gender dysphoria in minors is similarly weak.
“We are therefore concerned that the AMA continues to support these hormonal treatments for minors,” the letter noted, adding that the quality of evidence is “low or very low.” They referenced systematic reviews conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Hilary Cass, both of which pointed to a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of these treatments.
The letter further questioned how the AMA could find sufficient evidence to support hormonal treatments while deeming surgical interventions as unsupported. It raised concerns that hormonal interventions might not be proven as safe for children and could potentially be more dangerous, as they are often perceived as less significant.
Marshall highlighted that hormones could lead to permanent sterilization just as reliably as surgery. The letter also contained inquiries directed at the AMA regarding the effectiveness and safety of these treatments.
The attorneys general requested clarification on whether the AMA endorses guidelines and standards of care from organizations like the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and the Endocrine Society, both of which advocate for the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy in young individuals.
According to the letter, the AMA’s current stance appears inconsistent and raises concerns about potential violations of consumer protection laws. Specifically, Alabama’s law prohibits organizations from making misleading claims about goods or services they provide.
The AMA was given a deadline of March 25th to respond. In a press release, Attorney General Marshall remarked on the AMA’s acknowledgment of the shaky foundation for surgical recommendations for minors, stressing that the same weak science underlies the support for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. He emphasized the need for the AMA to adhere to scientific integrity in these matters, especially given the stakes for children’s lives.
The letter was signed by attorneys general from various states, including Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas, among others. Earlier this month, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons released guidance advising that gender-related surgeries should be postponed until patients reach at least 19 years of age following an ongoing review of evidence concerning these treatments.
ASPS President Dr. Bob Bass echoed concerns about the uncertainties surrounding surgical interventions in minors. As of now, the AMA has not publicly responded to requests for comment.
