Gender Affirming Care for Children: Protecting Children from Irreversible Harm

We at Politidog recognize transgenderism as a way for people with gender dysphoria to cope with their diagnosis. As statistics have shown, people diagnosed with gender dysphoria have a high suicide rate. We believe it is acceptable for individuals with a genuine diagnosis to take measures to aid in improving their quality of life. Such improvements might include changing the way these individuals dress, talk, and behave in public to fit their gender identity persona. They have our sympathy and our fullest support in that regard.

Separately, we also recognize the confusion that every individual goes through in childhood, known as puberty. There is a clear difference between individuals with gender dysphoria and children struggling to understand how their bodies are changing.

The threat is that many parents and some institutions fail to tell the difference between a child having gender dysphoria and that child being naturally confused. There is an abundance of reports on “experts” or “sex identity therapists” convincing parents into thinking their child, who is struggling with puberty, should be put on puberty blockers, when it turned out to be gender confusion during puberty.

Puberty blockers have permanent, harmful, and irreversible effects on children — including reduced bone density, potential infertility, impacts on brain development, and stunted growth. We must take a stand against them and ban their use on children for the purpose of treating gender dysphoria.

Puberty Blockers for Children: The Dangers and Irreversible Risks

Puberty blockers are often presented as a reversible option in gender affirming care for children, but evidence shows they carry serious long-term risks. These include bone density loss leading to osteoporosis, stunted growth, and potential infertility. Brain development may also be affected during this critical period, with studies indicating cognitive impacts that could last a lifetime.

Historical data reveals that up to 80% of children with gender dysphoria naturally resolve their feelings after puberty without medical intervention. Rushing into puberty blockers for children can lead to unnecessary harm when simple support during puberty confusion would suffice.

Cass Review on Gender Affirming Care: Weak Evidence for Children

The UK's independent Cass Review (2024) examined thousands of cases and found weak evidence supporting medical interventions like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children. This led to a full ban on puberty blockers for gender dysphoria in England, highlighting the need for caution. The review criticized the lack of long-term data and called for more rigorous standards in gender affirming care for children.

Politidog supports this evidence-based approach, emphasizing protection over ideology in transgender youth hormone therapy.

Gender Affirming Care Ban: Progress in U.S. States and Trump's Executive Order

Over 27 U.S. states have implemented a gender affirming care ban or restrictions for children, recognizing the risks of irreversible procedures. These laws protect children from hasty decisions during puberty, allowing time for natural resolution.

President Trump's 2025 executive order further advances this by directing federal agencies to end support for these treatments on anyone under 19, labeling them "chemical and surgical mutilation." This aligns with right-leaning views on safeguarding children from experimental care.

• The UK's independent Cass Review (2024) found weak evidence for medical interventions on children and led to major restrictions — including a full ban on puberty blockers for gender dysphoria in England.
• European leaders are pulling back: Sweden, Finland, Norway, France, and others now severely restrict or ban puberty blockers for kids due to risks outweighing benefits.
• Over 27 U.S. states have banned or heavily restricted gender-affirming medical care for children, protecting thousands from irreversible decisions.
• President Trump's 2025 executive order directs federal agencies to end support for these treatments on anyone under 19, calling them "chemical and surgical mutilation."
• Historical studies show most children with gender dysphoria naturally resolve it after puberty — up to 80% in older cohorts — without medical intervention.

We support adults making informed choices. But children deserve protection from permanent harm during a confusing time.

Coming Soon: Take Action on Gender Affirming Care for Children

We're building a powerful tool to help you contact your representatives and demand bans on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for children. Stay tuned — your voice will help protect the next generation from the dangers of gender affirming care for children.