The Cass Review and the Silence of U.S.

The New York Times just published an extended essay by Pamela Paul discussing the failure of U.S. medical officials to respond to the "Cass Review," a major UK publication examining the evidence (or lack thereof) supporting so-called "gender-affirming" care for adolescents and young adults. This "care" involves puberty blockers, hormonal treatments and surgeries for individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

The 400 page Report, commissioned by England's National Health Services and authored by Dr. Hillary Cass presents the results of two years of investigation of every major scientific study of medicalized treatment of gender dysphoria. The report's conclusion: There is a lack of sufficient robust scientific evidence suggesting that the putative benefits of such treatments outweigh the risks and irrevocable damage caused by hormones and surgery.

The Report has convinced a number of countries in Europe, including the UK, to reverse course on medicalized treatments for youths and young adults until such time that the issue receives more robust scientific study and support. The best treatment at the moment involves holistic therapy.

Although Europe has responded, the US has not. As Paul explains in her essay, the response of medical officials and organizations in the U.S. has been denial or silence. 

I've read the report. It's deeply troubling--especially in regard to the ideological resistance to providing researchers with information about long-term outcomes for adults. Ideology is prevailing over science.