- According to a Mayo Clinic study, biological males who take puberty blockers could suffer detrimental effects — which may be long-term or permanent — on the development of their testicles and sperm production. FOX News (LR: 4 CP: 4)
- The study examined 87 patients, including 16 children with gender dysphoria aged between 10 and 16, who identified as transgender girls. Daily Mail (LR: 5 CP: 5)
- Among the nine who had already started taking puberty blockers, two had visible abnormalities on their testicles, though all of them reported mild-to-severe sex gland atrophy. Pubmed
- Nearly 60% of the sex glands of a 12-year-old biological males who had taken puberty blockers for 14 months had become "fully atrophied," while over 90% of the sperm production cells of a 14-year-old patient who had been on puberty blockers for at least four years had been stunted. Daily Wire (LR: 5 CP: 3)
- Recently, a four-year study commissioned by the UK's National Health Service found that there's no good evidence minors seeking gender care can benefit from puberty blockers. Verity
- Many European nations, including Finland and Norway, have either restricted or banned the use of puberty blockers — which were initially prescribed to stop early puberty in minors — for children experiencing gender dysphoria. Catholic News Agency
Left narrative:
- The study, which hasn't yet been peer-reviewed, uses a minuscule number of patients to falsely push forward a narrative for millions that the use of puberty blockers in children struggling with gender dysphoria is irreversible. Numerous scientific studies have shown that treating children with puberty blockers has been game-changing. As the number of children who identify as transgender grows, those seeking a medical transition shouldn't be deprived of first-line treatments.
HEALTHLINE
Right narrative:
- The study builds on previous peer-reviewed research that has established that puberty blockers cause irreversible harm, adversely impact children's mental health, and increase the risk of testicular cancer. The growing rush to prescribe transitioning drugs to minors is disturbing. It's high time lawmakers and medical professionals quit their political affiliations, speak up about the massive downsides of gender-affirming treatments, and stop robbing children of their right to an open future.
THE HILL