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Transgender Children: American College of Pediatricians Weighs In on Gender Affirming Care Benefits

ByAlki David

Feb 12, 2024

In a landmark statement, the American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) has shed light on the efficacy of gender affirming care for transgender children. Based on a comprehensive review of over 60 studies, the Florida-based organization has concluded that such interventions offer no discernible long-term benefits for the well-being of these youths.

The ACPeds’ findings challenge the prevailing narrative surrounding gender dysphoria treatment, particularly concerning social transition, puberty blockers, and cross-sex hormones. Contrary to popular belief, these interventions fail to yield significant improvements in the psychosocial welfare of adolescents grappling with gender dysphoria.

According to the ACPeds’ report, the scrutiny of these 60 studies underscores a critical point: the mental health outcomes of transgender youth remain largely unaffected by conventional gender-affirming treatments. Moreover, the organization has released a comprehensive factsheet aimed at guiding practitioners and caregivers in providing optimal care for transgender children.

Among the key observations highlighted in the factsheet is the prevalence of child abuse and neglect among transgender youth, underscoring the multifaceted challenges they face. Additionally, the document underscores the alarming correlation between gender-affirming treatments and heightened suicide risks among transgender individuals. Importantly, it emphasizes the limited psychological benefits associated with such interventions.

Furthermore, the ACPeds’ research suggests a nuanced perspective on gender identity development, noting that many individuals who undergo gender transition during childhood ultimately reconcile with their biological gender as they mature.

In a society where discussions on gender identity and expression are increasingly prominent, the ACPeds’ statement serves as a thought-provoking contribution to the ongoing dialogue. By challenging conventional wisdom and presenting evidence-based insights, the organization aims to foster a more informed approach to the care and support of transgender children.

In conclusion, the ACPeds’ comprehensive review underscores the need for a balanced and evidence-based approach to gender dysphoria treatment. While the discourse surrounding gender affirming care continues to evolve, it is imperative to prioritize the well-being of transgender youth by critically evaluating the efficacy and impact of various interventions.

By Alki David

Alki David — Publisher, Media Architect, SIN Network Creator - live, direct-to-public communication, media infrastructure, accountability journalism, and independent distribution. Born in Lagos, Nigeria; educated in the United Kingdom and Switzerland; attended the Royal College of Art. Early internet broadcaster — participated in real-time public coverage during the 1997 Mars landing era using experimental online transmission from Beverly Hills. Founder of FilmOn, one of the earliest global internet television networks offering live and on-demand broadcasting outside legacy gatekeepers. Publisher of SHOCKYA — reporting since 2010 on systemic corruption inside the entertainment business and its expansion into law, finance, and regulation. Creator of the SIN Network (ShockYA Integrated Network), a federated media and civic-information infrastructure spanning investigative journalism, live TV, documentary, and court-record reporting. Lived and worked for over 40 years inside global media hubs including Malibu, Beverly Hills, London, Hong Kong and Gstaad. Early encounter with Julian Assange during the first Hologram USA operations proved a formative turning point — exposing the realities of lawfare, information suppression, and concentrated media power. Principal complainant and driving force behind what court filings describe as the largest consolidated media–legal accountability action on record, now before the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Relocated to Antigua & Barbuda and entered sustained legal, civic, and informational confrontation over media power, safeguarding, and accountability at Commonwealth scale.