Controversy Over Gender Dysphoria Treatment for Minors

Efforts to address gender dysphoria in minors should focus on mental health counseling and compassionate care, rather than hormone therapy and surgeries with long-term effects, according to Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services Adm. Brian Christine. Christine, a urologist overseeing public health at HHS, supports the recent rule announced by the Trump administration. This rule prevents Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) from funding puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries for minors with gender dysphoria.

Christine acknowledges the reality of gender dysphoria, noting that historically, a small percentage of minors have experienced it. However, he claims a recent increase in diagnoses suggests a social trend, which does not align with standard epidemiology. Most minors diagnosed with gender dysphoria, Christine says, will outgrow it if they receive proper counseling.

The new rule by the Trump administration means that Medicaid and CHIP will stop funding gender transition procedures for minors. According to CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, this decision aligns with scientific evidence and protects children from irreversible harm.

Christine describes treatments like sex-rejecting procedures as involving castrating chemicals, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, which can have lasting negative effects. He emphasizes that mental health care and compassionate counseling are scientifically supported alternatives.

President Donald Trump, through a statement on Truth Social, has condemned gender transition surgeries and hormone treatments for minors as harmful practices. Trump and Christine prefer the term “corrective care” over “gender-affirming care,” asserting that such treatments are not beneficial.

According to health policy group KFF, 27 states have enacted restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors. The new rule allows a six-month period for transitioning off hormone therapy using federal funds. Christine notes that historically, gender dysphoria affected a small group of adult males but is now more prevalent among minors, particularly young girls.