The Ethical and Medical Benefits of Treating Gender Dysphoria in Children

The question of whether doctors are honoring their Hippocratic oath by providing necessary medical treatments to children dealing with gender dysphoria is a topic of critical debate. Understanding the medical necessity and ethical implications of hormone blockers and estrogen treatment is essential to making informed decisions about the well-being of trans children.

Medical Necessity of Treating Gender Dysphoria

Refusing standard medical treatment for gender dysphoria could be considered a form of negligence. Suicide and mental health risks among untreated trans individuals are significantly higher compared to the general population. Studies show that trans individuals who have received treatment and have supportive networks have similar suicide risks as the general population. In contrast, untreated trans individuals with unsupportive families have a much higher risk of suicide, with approximately a 1 in 4 risk of suicide attempts.

Puberty Blockers and Gillick Competence

A common misconception is that prescribing hormones to "boys" immediately implies risky interventions. In reality, most trans children receive puberty blockers, which delay the onset of puberty until the child can make informed decisions about permanent medical changes. In many jurisdictions, such as the UK, the principle of Gillick competence applies, requiring that children must be old enough to make these decisions independently.

These puberty blockers are often prescribed to children as young as 10 or 11, but in most cases, the transition to cross-hormones does not occur until the child is 16 or 18, depending on local laws and regulations. This delay allows the child to develop a sense of self and make informed decisions regarding their future medical care.

Side Effects and Equivalence of Hormone Treatments

It's important to note that the estrogen prescribed to trans girls is not vastly different from the levels of estrogen found in cis girls. This similarity in hormone levels helps align the cancer risk profiles between trans women and other women. Thus, the medical treatment provided to trans girls does not introduce an unmanageably high risk of cancer.

The idea of regularly placing cis girls on hormone blockers is highly unlikely and would not be done without substantial medical justification and patient consent. Similar to other medical treatments, the benefits of hormone blockers and estrogen are weighed against the potential risks, which are monitored and managed by experienced healthcare professionals.

Other Medications and Risks

It's also important to consider that many medications carry potential side effects, including increased cancer rates. For instance, Viagra, a commonly prescribed drug, can increase cardiovascular risks, while some antibiotics can be ototoxic, leading to permanent hearing loss in some individuals. In each case, doctors evaluate the risks and benefits of the condition being treated (such as gender dysphoria) against the potential side effects of the treatment, discussing these risks informally with patients or their guardians, and adhering to informed consent principles.

By doing so, healthcare providers ensure that the treatment options chosen are the most appropriate and safe for each individual patient, aligning with the principles of the Hippocratic Oath to do no harm.

In conclusion, providing appropriate medical treatment for gender dysphoria is not only ethically justifiable but also essential for the well-being of trans children. Balancing the risks and benefits, and ensuring informed consent, is a critical component of responsible medical practice.