thefederalist.com
2026-10-26
gical organizations have insisted that so-called "gender-affirming care" for minors is medically necessary, evidence-based, and even lifesaving. Questioning these claims could get you labeled a bigot, accused of harming children, or professionally ostracized.
Now, they are being pressed to put their money where their mouth is.
On Oct. 14, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., issued formal demands to six influential medical organizations: the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Psychological Association, American Psychiatric Association, American Medical Association (AMA), Endocrine Society and World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).
The demand is rather simple: State your current position on medical gender-transition interventions for minors, identify any planned revisions, and say when they will happen. In announcing the letters, Kennedy made clear HHS also wants to see the evidence, saying these organizations "have a responsibility to explain the evidence behind those standards."