Gender Transitioning Issue in the US: Lessons for Catholic Bioethics Forum in India

Verghese V Joseph –

Broomall (Pennsylvania): The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC) has initiated a thorough review of a recent report by Do No Harm, published in the Stop the Harm Database. This report provides the most comprehensive data on minors receiving gender-affirming care in the United States, challenging the narrative that such interventions are rare.

According to findings from the Stop the Harm Database, almost 14,000 minors, aged 0 to 17.5, underwent gender transition interventions from 2019 to 2023 across all fifty states. This significant number contradicts claims that these clinical procedures are uncommon, raising concerns among various stakeholders about the implications of such medical practices on youth.

The implications of this report are significant, especially as discussions around gender-affirming care continue to intensify across the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review cases concerning state laws that restrict access to such care for minors, a topic that has become increasingly polarized. Currently, 30 states have enacted or are considering legislation limiting access to gender-affirming care, affecting an estimated 156,500 transgender youth.

The report has sparked considerable debate, particularly as it identifies several Catholic healthcare institutions involved in providing these interventions. While this revelation is shocking, it aligns with a broader societal trend over the past decade where confusion surrounding gender dysphoria has led to increased pressure from media, medical societies, and government entities to promote gender transitioning interventions for minors.

In response to these developments, clear guidance for Catholic healthcare institutions has only recently been issued. The Doctrine Committee of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released directives in March 2023, followed by further clarifications from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in April 2024. The NCBC emphasizes that Catholic healthcare institutions named in the report must urgently strengthen their internal policies and monitoring systems to prevent future involvement in such interventions.

The NCBC has extensive experience analyzing healthcare data related to diagnosis and treatment codes similar to those referenced in the Stop the Harm Database report. Their mission is to assist Catholic health institutions and dioceses in maintaining the integrity of their healthcare ministries and insurance plans while navigating these complex ethical issues.

While comprehensive datasets can provide valuable insights into healthcare practices, caution is necessary when attributing moral responsibility to institutions or individuals based on this data. The NCBC remains committed to helping Catholic healthcare providers and bishops address these sensitive matters with confidentiality and care.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center aims to uphold human dignity within healthcare and biomedical research, reflecting Catholic teachings on respect for life. Their vision is a world where an integral understanding of human dignity is embraced more broadly across America and beyond.

The report comes at a time when discussions surrounding gender-affirming care are intensifying across the United States. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review cases concerning state laws that restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors—a topic that has become increasingly polarizing. Currently, 30 states have enacted or are considering legislation limiting such care, affecting an estimated 156,500 transgender youth.

Gender-affirming care includes a range of medical and psychological services designed to support individuals whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. These services often encompass counseling, puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and occasionally surgical procedures—though surgeries are rarely performed on minors.

Opponents of gender-affirming care argue that research supporting its necessity is insufficient and express concerns about adolescents’ maturity levels when making such significant decisions about their bodies. Conversely, proponents highlight evidence suggesting that timely access to gender-affirming treatments can be lifesaving for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.

As discussions around gender identity and healthcare continue to evolve globally, including in India, this report serves as a critical reminder of the complexities involved in providing care for transgender youth. The Indian context presents its own unique challenges and cultural dynamics regarding gender identity and expression.

In India, where societal norms around gender can be deeply entrenched, understanding international perspectives on gender-affirming care may inform local debates about policy and practice. As awareness grows about LGBTQ+ rights and issues within India, stakeholders may find valuable lessons from developments in countries like the United States.

The findings from the Stop the Harm Database report underscore a pressing need for dialogue surrounding gender-affirming care for minors. As various stakeholders—including healthcare providers, policymakers, and religious organizations—navigate these complex issues, it remains essential to prioritize the well-being of youth while ensuring ethical standards are upheld in medical practice.