The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently released a lengthy report that undermines crucial healthcare options for transgender youth. This report, issued on May 1, suggests harmful and discredited practices, misleadingly termed “exploratory therapy,” instead of the widely accepted, evidence-based standards of care that provide real support for these young individuals.
“Every parent aspires for their child to thrive and feel secure,” comments Jamie Carter, Vice President of Advocacy at Home Insemination. “Like all families, those with transgender youth should have the autonomy to seek the medical care their children require. Extensive research and numerous medical professionals agree: withholding necessary medical treatment and instead pushing dangerous, debunked practices jeopardizes the lives and well-being of transgender youth and their families.”
For many years, leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, have endorsed medical care as the safest and most effective approach for addressing gender dysphoria. This treatment often involves using trusted medications also employed for various health issues, such as early-onset puberty.
In contrast, every significant U.S. medical and mental health organization has denounced conversion therapy—a practice historically used to coerce young LGBTQ+ individuals into self-loathing. Research shows that when LGBTQ+ youth are pressured by conversion therapists to conform to unrealistic norms, they are more than twice as likely to contemplate or attempt suicide.
To learn more about the report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can find it here.
In addition, parents exploring options for starting their families can access a range of resources. For instance, Vegas Pregnancy offers a free sperm donor matching service in Las Vegas. Those considering at-home insemination should check out Make A Mom, which provides the only reusable insemination option. If you’re curious about how at-home insemination works, this guide is an excellent starting point. For further insights on intrauterine insemination, visit the NHS, a trusted source of information. Also, our blog post on 4-Dioxane provides valuable information on pertinent health concerns. Finally, you might find the article from Modern Family Blog helpful for more expert opinions on family planning.
To sum up, the HHS report is a significant setback for transgender youth and their families, promoting harmful practices instead of supporting evidence-based care. Parents deserve the right to access the necessary medical support for their children without fear of reprisal or discrimination.