AZ Republicans and Idaho AG Target Pediatricians Over Gender-Affirming Care Consumer Violations

Arizona’s leading Republican lawmakers have allied with Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador, along with officials from 20 other U.S. states, to challenge the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). They allege potential violations of state consumer protection laws concerning the AAP’s guidelines on gender dysphoria treatment for children.

In a letter forwarded by Labrador on Tuesday, Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen and House Speaker Ben Toma requested clarification on the AAP’s evidence supporting its recommendations for administering puberty blockers to children diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

Labrador’s office highlighted concerns over the AAP’s assertion that the use of puberty blockers is both safe and reversible, claiming that this statement lacks a solid evidential foundation and could contravene consumer protection statutes across many states.

The attorney general emphasized the importance of providing children with “love, support, and medical care rooted in biological reality.” He condemned what he described as the abandonment of the fundamental medical principle of “do no harm,” asserting that politically motivated actions have compromised children’s health by endorsing unproven treatments that may lead to irrevocable harm.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, representing over 67,000 pediatricians, reaffirmed its stance on gender-affirming care during its leadership conference held in August. AAP CEO Mark Del Monte defended the organization’s original policy, asserting that it prioritizes the welfare of children.

During the conference, Del Monte noted that recent concerns about restrictions to healthcare access, particularly the bans on gender-affirming care established in various states, prompted the organization to initiate a systematic review of its guidelines.

Arizona’s legislation from 2022 prohibits transgender youth from undergoing gender reassignment surgery. Governor Doug Ducey characterized this law as a protective measure for minors, while critics argue it enforces outdated standards that may hinder optimal medical practices.

The AAP’s guidelines advocate a gender-affirmative model, recognizing that non-binary gender identities are integral to human diversity. The organization stresses that mental health challenges for transgender youth typically arise from societal stigma rather than an intrinsic aspect of their identity. In its policy statement, the AAP affirms that many medical options are available for transgender and gender-diverse youth, emphasizing that individual treatment decisions should consider unique circumstances and potential risks.

However, Labrador contends that hormone-suppressing treatments can lead to negative health outcomes, citing concerns about neurocognitive development and bone density. He warned of significant harm that could befall children who do not maintain their gender identity into adulthood.

Conversely, the AAP maintains that children who express a consistent transgender identity prior to puberty benefit similarly to their cisgender peers when given social acceptance. The organization argues that focusing on children’s current identities fosters resilience and secure familial bonds.

Labrador and the coalition of state officials are demanding further details from the AAP regarding the basis of its claims about the safety and reversibility of puberty blockers.

The letter seeking this information includes endorsements from attorneys general in multiple states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, among others. This situation highlights the ongoing national debate surrounding gender-affirming care and its implications for pediatric health.