For nearly 20 years, children in the UK have, unfortunately, been misled into thinking they were misaligned with their bodies. This has led to a widespread use of medical treatments that negatively affect bone density, cognitive function, emotional balance, and future fertility. While some experts and politicians initially gave these practices a surface-level legitimacy, the results have been disastrous and heavily reliant on flawed science.
It’s perhaps fortunate that the Trump administration, mirroring the actions of the UK government, is now pushing back against what some describe as “chemical and surgical mutilation of children.” Still, certain states, particularly those governed by Democrats, seem determined to keep fighting against the well-being of young people.
Recent research from the Oxford University Press journal Research Connections sheds light on the situation in Oregon, a state that implemented a notable health care initiative. According to findings, a striking proportion of young people have been treated with cross-sex hormones, with one in 630 boys affected.
Researchers from Comazine Health examined data from 2016 to 2023, focusing on youth aged 8 to 17. They identified 8,480 adolescents experiencing gender confusion among over 868,740 insured individuals in Oregon.
Key findings revealed that:
- The average age for a first diagnosis of gender dysphoria was 14.
- Over seven years, approximately 1.51% of eligible females and 0.46% of eligible males were diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
- A significant 75.8% of those diagnosed were female.
- The typical time from diagnosis to medical intervention was about 294 days.
- The average age at which medical interventions began was 15.
- 23.35% of diagnosed individuals received medical “gender-affirming care.”
- 19.72% were given cross-sex hormones.
- 8.21% utilized puberty blockers, which have been historically used to chemically castrate sex offenders.
- The use of both puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy surged, especially from 2020 to 2023.
Researchers noted that, despite increased focus on these treatments, only a small percentage of U.S. adolescents access this so-called care. Leoa Sapir, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, highlighted that even this “small percentage” is alarmingly large. Reference to the study indicated that, between 2016 and 2023, about 1 in 240 girls and 1 in 630 boys in Oregon received cross-sex hormones for gender dysphoria by the age of 17, which outpaces national averages.
Moreover, Sapir pointed out that Oregon’s rates in hormone usage among 14- and 15-year-olds are significantly higher than national figures. In November, a report from the Department of Health and Human Services emphasized that the long-term harms associated with treatments like puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones are substantial and often underreported.
Just months prior, in England, the National Health Service prohibited puberty blockers in gender identity clinics following a review that raised serious concerns:
- Systematic reviews showed no clear evidence that social transitions during childhood positively impact mental health, with weak data regarding adolescents.
- While puberty blockers do suppress puberty, they impair bone density and don’t significantly affect gender dysphoria or body satisfaction.
- Lack of consistent evidence regarding the effects on psychological well-being and cognitive development remains a pressing issue.
- High-quality studies evaluating hormonal treatments for confused adolescents are sorely missing.
- Critics labeled the science behind “gender-affirming care” as weak and built on shaky foundations.
Even with growing evidence indicating the destructive and ineffective nature of these treatments, the Democratic leadership in Oregon appears unwavering in their commitment to promoting these practices. Governor Tina Kotek has ratified laws meant to protect providers of these treatments from legal repercussions and ensure that certain patients continue receiving care through organizations like Planned Parenthood.
Kotek has yet to respond to inquiries regarding these matters.
