0
0
In recent years, a significant shift has been observed in several European countries regarding their approach to gender care for children and young adolescents experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria. This shift entails moving away from medicalized interventions towards prioritizing psychosocial support, marking a pivotal moment in how these nations address gender identity issues among the youth.
England’s Cass Review Highlights Weak Evidence
The catalyst for this change stems from England’s Cass Review, spearheaded by pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass. After four years of exhaustive meta-analyses, the review concluded that the evidence supporting gender treatments for children is remarkably weak. It emphasized that, for most young individuals, a medical pathway might not be the most suitable approach to managing gender-related distress.
In response, England’s National Health Service (NHS) announced a cessation of prescribing puberty blockers to children at gender identity clinics, citing insufficient evidence of their safety and effectiveness. Scotland followed suit, pausing the prescription of puberty blockers to minors and emphasizing the provision of psychological support while reviewing care pathways.
Puberty Blockers: A Controversial Intervention
Puberty blockers, initially proposed in the mid-1990s by clinicians in the Netherlands, have become a standard practice in many countries, including several in Europe. Advocates argue that these blockers provide valuable time for young individuals to explore their gender identity and make informed decisions about medical transition, citing their reversible nature and positive impact on mental health.
However, critics, such as psychotherapist Stella O’Malley, express concerns about the long-term effects of puberty blockers, citing potential impairments in bone development and cognitive functioning. Despite ongoing debates, transgender advocacy groups like Transgender Europe stress the importance of maintaining access to puberty blockers, highlighting their role in alleviating gender dysphoria and improving mental well-being.
Calls for Change Across Europe
Experts across Europe are calling for revisions in their countries’ approaches to gender care. Dr. Alexander Korte from Germany advocates for a more cautious stance, emphasizing the need for clearer evidence before implementing medical interventions such as puberty blockers. Similarly, Dr. Riittakerttu Kaltiala from Finland supports the Cass Review’s emphasis on psychosocial interventions as the primary treatment for gender-distressed minors.
Several European countries have already initiated changes in their practices. The Dutch Parliament ordered an investigation into the health outcomes of children prescribed puberty blockers, while Norway’s Healthcare Investigation Board recommended defining such treatments as experimental. France and Sweden have also expressed reservations about the use of puberty blockers in minors, emphasizing the need for further research and caution.
Moving Forward: Prioritizing Psychosocial Support
As European countries navigate these changes, there is a growing consensus on the importance of prioritizing psychosocial support for children and adolescents experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria. While medical interventions remain a part of the conversation, there is a recognition of the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary approaches that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of young individuals navigating their gender identity.
