Recently, Arkansas made headlines by becoming the first state to prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender minors after the Arkansas General Assembly overturned Governor Samuel Richards’ veto of the bill. This new law threatens to revoke the medical licenses of any practitioners who prescribe puberty blockers, hormone therapies, or perform gender-affirming surgeries on minors. At least 17 additional states are considering similar legislation. Unfortunately, these laws not only jeopardize the livelihoods of medical professionals but also harm transgender youth, who are simply trying to navigate their identities. The narratives behind these laws are often rooted in misconceptions and fears rather than in scientific research that supports the well-being of transgender youth. Additionally, cisgender children may also be affected by the restrictions on care that are being enforced.
In this discussion of anti-trans bills, I will specifically highlight puberty blockers, as they are often sought by younger transgender individuals who opt for medical assistance as part of their transition process.
It’s crucial to emphasize the terms “choose” and “their.” No child is being compelled to identify as transgender. In fact, many transgender youth lack the support of adults who could advocate for them. More often, it is the case that parents discourage their children from being true to themselves rather than supporting their exploration of gender identity.
Furthermore, it’s a misconception that children are undergoing surgical procedures to alter their genitalia. Parents of transgender kids are not pressuring doctors to perform non-consensual surgeries. While some individuals do subject children to non-consensual procedures to conform to societal gender norms, this is not the case for transgender youth seeking medical care.
What Are Puberty Blockers?
Puberty blockers are medications designed to halt the production of hormones (testosterone and estrogen) that trigger physical changes during puberty. For a child assigned female at birth, puberty blockers would prevent the production of estrogen, thereby inhibiting the development of breasts and menstruation. While puberty blockers stop certain changes, they do not halt all aspects of puberty, such as body odor, pubic hair, or acne.
There are two types of puberty blockers:
- Histrelin acetate: This is an implant that is placed under the skin of the arm and works for about a year before needing replacement.
- Leuprolide acetate: This is an injectable medication that requires administration every 1 to 4 months, depending on the specific formulation.
Puberty blockers typically take one to two months to take effect and are generally used for two to three years. They essentially act as a “pause button” on puberty; once treatment ends, the body resumes its progression through puberty. If a transgender child later starts cross-hormone therapy, their body will then develop characteristics aligned with their gender identity.
Who Needs Puberty Blockers?
Puberty unfolds in phases, with children typically beginning this process between ages 9 and 11. As it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact age a child will start puberty, doctors rely on Tanner stages to assess where a child is in their development. Tanner stage 2 is often the ideal time to begin puberty blockers, as this stage marks the onset of physical changes that a transgender child may wish to avoid. Indicators of Tanner stage 2 include breast bud formation, pubic hair development, and testicular growth. If puberty is not paused at this stage, subsequent changes can be irreversible.
For transgender kids, puberty blockers are vital for their mental well-being and enable them to express their gender identity authentically. They help mitigate the need for corrective procedures later in life, such as gender-affirming surgeries, which may be necessary if unwanted physical changes occur during puberty.
Puberty blockers are also utilized for children experiencing precocious puberty, which is when puberty begins too early (before age 8 in assigned females and before age 9 in assigned males). In these instances, doctors can recommend blockers to delay puberty until it is developmentally appropriate.
Both cisgender and transgender children can benefit from the use of puberty blockers.
Are Puberty Blockers Safe?
Yes, puberty blockers are considered safe and their effects are fully reversible, with no impact on fertility. Possible side effects may include pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, mood changes, weight fluctuations, and irregular periods for those whose menstruation is not fully halted by the blockers.
What Are the Risks vs. Rewards?
Denying access to puberty blockers poses more significant risks than providing these crucial medications. Children with untreated precocious puberty may face adverse behavioral and emotional consequences, including increased risk of substance abuse, social isolation, and self-image issues. These risks are also relevant for transgender youth. The advantages of using puberty blockers far outweigh the drawbacks; mental health improves, depression and anxiety decrease, and social interactions become more positive, leading to fewer instances of self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
Despite their life-saving benefits, political figures often restrict access to puberty blockers for transgender youth, disregarding the needs of supportive parents, qualified therapists, and informed medical professionals. This political interference is not only misguided but harmful.
Will lawmakers also deem puberty blockers unnecessary for cisgender children? If so, that would be irresponsible. If not, it highlights a troubling bias against transgender individuals. Both scenarios are unacceptable.
It’s time for politicians to stop interfering with gender-affirming care. They are not safeguarding children but rather allowing their prejudices to inflict greater harm than the benefits they claim to provide.
For more insightful information, consider checking out one of our other blog posts here. And for those interested in a comprehensive approach to pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is an excellent guide. Additionally, for authoritative information on related topics, visit Intracervical Insemination.
Summary
Puberty blockers are crucial medications for transgender youth, allowing them to pause puberty and align their physical development with their gender identity. With safety and reversibility, these treatments are essential for both mental health and authentic self-expression. Anti-trans legislation threatens to restrict access to these vital medications, underscoring the need for informed advocacy and support for transgender minors.