The Ethics of Gender-Affirming Care: A Call for Compassionate and Truthful Medical Practices

The ongoing debate surrounding gender-affirming care has intensified in recent months, with a growing number of lawsuits targeting healthcare providers who offer these treatments to minors. According to the article, at least 28 legal cases have been filed against medical professionals, alleging wrongful death and medical malpractice as a result of gender-affirming care. These lawsuits are part of a larger movement to scrutinize the medical practices and ethical implications of treating transgender youth with puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, which the critics argue can pose long-term health risks and lead to irreversible physical and psychological consequences.

The controversies have also been linked to tragic events such as the 2023 Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, in which a trans-identifying male was the perpetrator. The article highlights concerns over the potential role of gender-affirming care in influencing such actions, suggesting a call to question the broader societal impact of affirming gender identities without addressing underlying mental health and ethical issues. Other incidents, including shootings attributed to trans-identifying individuals since 2018, have been cited as evidence of the need for stricter oversight of these treatments and a reevaluation of the current medical model.

Further complicating the situation, the article points to a significant financial angle, with the pharmaceutical industry reportedly earning over $1.73 billion from cross-sex hormones. This has led to criticism about the potential influence of these companies on medical practices and their role in promoting gender-affirming care. The American Medical Association (AMA), the professional association of physicians, has been accused by some critics of being aligned with these interests, despite its opposition to state legislation restricting gender-affirming care. Questions have also been raised about the extent of the AMA’s independence, given the possible financial contributions from drug companies.

Despite these concerns, the article acknowledges the growing legal and political pushback against gender-affirming care. The Trump administration, for instance, has taken steps to limit access to puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and sex-change surgeries for minors, citing concerns about the long-term health effects of these treatments. Additionally, a May 2025 report by the Health and Human Services Department has warned that gender-affirming care can lead to serious health complications, leading to increased demands for regulatory action and oversight.

Meanwhile, the article advocates for a return to traditional medical ethics, calling for an approach that prioritizes compassion, truth, and the well-being of the human body as created by its maker. It stresses the importance of real mental health services and the need to avoid the pitfalls of ‘conversion therapy’ being mistakenly banned. The piece concludes with a strong call to action, urging lawmakers and medical professionals to reexamine the current system of gender-affirming care and to provide support for individuals struggling with gender identity through honest and ethical medical practices that respect the integrity of the human body.