In a recent news conference held in Washington, over 100 medical professionals and organizations have united to issue a declaration urging a reevaluation of treatment approaches for children experiencing gender dysphoria. The \"Doctors Protecting Children\" declaration, spearheaded by the conservative American College of Pediatricians, emphasizes the need to prioritize mental health interventions over what they term \"gender affirming interventions.\"

The declaration raises alarms about the long-term risks associated with subjecting children to treatments such as puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries. Instead, the signatories advocate for psychotherapy to address underlying psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma, which they believe should be the first line of treatment for children struggling with their gender identity.

Dr. Jill Simons, a pediatrician and executive director of the American College of Pediatricians, highlighted the lack of consensus on current protocols for treating gender incongruence, which are often based on guidelines from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). These guidelines recommend that adolescents diagnosed with gender incongruence may access medical interventions if they demonstrate the necessary emotional and cognitive maturity.

However, recent internal discussions within WPATH have raised concerns about whether minors can truly provide informed consent for such significant medical procedures. Dr. Andre Van Moll, a family physician and adolescent sexuality expert, echoed these concerns, stating that minors are not capable of giving true informed consent.

The declaration and the discussions surrounding it reflect a growing divide in the medical community regarding the treatment of gender dysphoria in children, with advocates for mental health-focused approaches calling for a shift in how these vulnerable patients are supported.