Parental Responsibilities and Medical Decisions for Children Undergoing Gender-Affirming Care
Gender-affirming care (GAC) has become a controversial topic within the medical community and among parents. Some argue that such medical interventions are a violation of the healthcare oath to 'do no harm,' especially when applied to children and adolescents. This article explores the ethical and practical concerns surrounding GAC, parental rights, and the role of parental consent in medical decisions for minors.
Controversy Surrounding Gender-Affirming Care
Gender-affirming care, or GAC, is a term that has become increasingly controversial. Critics argue that it is fundamentally flawed, functioning in opposition to its intended purpose. The medical removal of healthy body parts based on a mental health diagnosis is seen as a violation of the ethical principle of doing no harm. This is particularly concerning for children, whose bodies and minds are still developing.
The author believes that children and young adults need time to grow and experience life with the bodies they were born with. They argue that no one under the age of 25 should be offered GAC, as it removes the responsibility from parents and shifts it to the child. Instead, several years of psychotherapy should be required both before and after any decision is made, which would prevent the use of puberty blockers and allow for normal bone and brain development in children.
The author goes so far as to suggest that GAC should be illegal for younger patients, given that human beings cannot 'really' change sex. The attempt to mimic opposite sex characteristics through medical interventions is seen as an incomplete solution that does not address the root issues.
Health Risks and Psychological Considerations
The health risks associated with GAC include permanent changes to the body that cannot be undone. For instance, permanent removal of healthy body parts can cause sterilization and permanent lack of orgasm. These procedures can lead to lifelong medical conditions and a need for ongoing medical care.
Additionally, the author suggests that many transgender individuals who undergo GAC fail to obtain the necessary psychotherapy before or after the procedures. This lack of psychological support can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to poor outcomes.
Parental Concerns and Realities
Parents are often put in a difficult position when it comes to making medical decisions for their children. In cases where a child expresses a desire to undergo GAC, some parents are at the mercy of trans-focused doctors who may overstate the risks of not proceeding with the procedures. These doctors often use the threat of suicide as a motivator, although the author argues that this is often a fabrication.
Depressed teenagers are more likely to benefit from therapy rather than immediate surgical interventions. Moreover, undergoing GAC does not guarantee a better life or acceptance from society. Many transgender individuals who have de-transitioned later express regret over the irreversible changes they have made to their bodies. Early use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones can have serious long-term effects on bone and brain development.
Conclusion
The debate over gender-affirming care for children and adolescents is complex and multifaceted. While some view GAC as a necessary step towards self-expression and identity validation, others see it as a significant risk with minimal benefit. Parents play a crucial role in decision-making and must be fully informed of the potential consequences. It is imperative that mental health and developmental concerns receive adequate attention and that long-term follow-up care is provided regardless of the decision made.
The author concludes by urging society to wake up and reject GAC for younger patients, emphasizing the importance of supportive and informed decision-making processes that prioritize the health and well-being of children.