American Academy of Pediatrics to review 'gender-affirming care,' but reaffirms current policy

The American Academy of Pediatrics Board of Directors voted to reaffirm the association's 2018 policy on "gender-affirming care" and authorize a "systematic review of evidence" to update the guidance. 

"The decision to authorize a systematic review reflects the board’s concerns about restrictions to access to health care with bans on gender-affirming care in more than 20 states," the academy said after a vote last week.

More states are regulating the hormonal and surgical transitions of minors. The White House and Democratic officials have criticized the regulations, which have been met with lawsuits from parents of transgender children. 

The 2018 policy statement says: "Transgender and gender-diverse children face many challenges in life, but, like all children, they can grow into happy and healthy adults when supported and loved throughout their development."

The five-year-old guidelines also admit that data on transgender minors is "limited" and the field is "rapidly evolving."

After authorizing the latest review, the academy said it supports "giving transgender adolescents access to the health care they need" and "opposes any laws or regulations that discriminate against transgender and gender-diverse individuals, or that interfere in the doctor-patient relationship."

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