Parent advocacy groups are raising concerns after the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorsed transgender medical treatments for minors and suggested that healthcare providers keep minors’ sexual health and medical history confidential from their parents.
The American Parents Federation has compiled resources pointing to AAP videos and statements that claim “science” backs “gender-affirming care,” which includes puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries for underage individuals. This comes just before the AAP’s advocacy conference in Virginia scheduled for mid-April.
Allie Marais, the executive director of the American Federation of Parents, criticized the AAP for behaving like a “political advocacy group,” emphasizing that they seem to prioritize ideology over both evidence and children’s welfare. Observers noted that 98% of members voted to prioritize gender reassignment treatment at the AAP’s upcoming leadership meeting.
“While international health systems are reassessing experimental gender measures, AAP is pushing forward with aggressive and irreversible treatments,” Mahle pointed out. “Their collaboration with activist groups indicates they are more focused on a political agenda than on healthcare.”
Apart from supporting gender reassignment for minors, the AAP also champions various political issues, including a ban on “offensive weapons” and red flag laws that enable the temporary removal of firearms from potentially dangerous individuals.
A blog post on AAP’s website titled “Supporting Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth” argues that medical professionals should provide “unconditional support” to minor patients, emphasizing the importance of using preferred pronouns and names and placing patients’ desires above parental concerns. The post highlighted how a lack of affirmation can severely impact mental health, leading to increased rates of depression and risky behaviors.
Interestingly, at least two reviews by British and American agencies suggest that administering transgender medical procedures to minors may not yield significant benefits.
A report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) indicated that there is no proven benefit of medical or surgical gender reassignment surgeries in alleviating gender dysphoria among patients. Meanwhile, findings from the National Health Service in England advised extreme caution when administering hormone treatments to minors.
In June 2025, AAP President Susan Kressley expressed disapproval of the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld Tennessee’s ban on puberty blockers and hormones for minors, calling it a denial of “basic human dignity.”
“Gender-affirming care is essential in treating gender dysphoria and is backed by extensive peer-reviewed research and clinical experience,” Kressley stated at that time.
However, Kurt Miceli, the chief medical officer at Do No Harm, contended that the AAP mischaracterizes the evidence supporting “gender-affirming care,” asserting that it risks causing lasting harm to children.
Based on reports, the AAP is seen as advocating for controversial medical practices while resisting calls for peer-reviewed studies. Miceli suggested that the AAP should reevaluate its policies to align with the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons in opposing methods deemed harmful and unscientific.
The AAP has also developed a Youth Healthcare Toolkit aimed at helping pediatricians conduct sensitive conversations around sexual activity and gender identity, all while noting that parents may not be informed.
In one training video, a 17-year-old named Kelsey discussed her sexual experiences with a girlfriend, while a doctor assured her of confidentiality unless others’ safety was at risk. In another video, a 15-year-old girl identified as “genderqueer demi boy” recounted keeping her status from her parents, with the doctor promising to respect her privacy.
In 2025, the AAP was awarded around $19 million in grants from the HHS. While the Trump administration initially cut $12 million, Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. criticized AAP’s guidelines as a means to promote commercial interests. As the lawsuit unfolded, a federal judge reinstated the grant.
AAP has been contacted for further comments.
