Arkansas has become the first state to prohibit gender-affirming care for transgender minors, following the state legislature’s decision to override Governor Tom Harris’s veto of the bill. This new legislation threatens to revoke the licenses of any medical professionals who prescribe puberty blockers, cross-hormone therapies, or perform gender-affirming surgeries on minors. At least 17 other states are considering similar measures. Such laws not only endanger the livelihood of healthcare providers but also harm transgender youth who are simply trying to navigate their identities. These regulations are rooted in misinformation, fear, and religious beliefs rather than scientific research and data that support the needs of transgender youth. Furthermore, these laws can negatively impact cisgender minors, as both groups may seek the care that is now being restricted.
In this discussion on anti-trans legislation, I will specifically address puberty blockers, as these medications are often sought by younger transgender individuals who pursue medical support as part of their transition.
The crucial concepts to understand here are “choose” and “their.” No child is being coerced into identifying as transgender. In fact, many transgender youth lack supportive adults to advocate for their needs. It is often more common for parents to pressure their children not to embrace their true selves than to encourage them to explore their gender identity.
Additionally, it is important to clarify that no one is performing surgery on a transgender child’s genitals without consent. While there are instances of non-consensual genital surgeries performed on children to conform to societal gender norms, this is not the case for transgender youth who are seeking affirmation and support.
What Are Puberty Blockers?
Puberty blockers are medications designed to halt the production of hormones (testosterone and estrogen) that trigger the physical changes associated with puberty. For a child assigned female at birth, these blockers prevent the production of estrogen, thereby delaying the development of breasts and menstruation. Other changes, such as body odor, pubic hair, and acne, may still occur since they are not solely regulated by these hormones.
There are two primary types of puberty blockers. The first is Histrelin acetate, which is implanted under the skin of the arm and lasts about a year. The second option, Leuprolide acetate, is administered via an injection that must be repeated every 1 to 4 months, depending on the formulation. These blockers typically take one to two months to begin working and are often used for a duration of two to three years.
Think of puberty blockers as a pause button—when treatment is discontinued, puberty will resume from where it was stopped. If a transgender child later begins cross-hormone therapy, their body will undergo changes that align with their gender identity. For instance, a transgender male transitioning from puberty blockers to testosterone will develop secondary male characteristics, such as a deeper voice and increased body hair.
Who Needs Puberty Blockers?
Children experience puberty in distinct phases, typically beginning between ages 9 and 11. Due to the variability in onset, doctors refer to Tanner stages to assess where a child is in their developmental timeline. Tanner stage 2 is often the ideal time to introduce puberty blockers, as it signifies the onset of changes that a transgender child may not wish to undergo.
Guardians can utilize blood tests to determine their child’s stage of puberty, but visual cues such as the development of breast buds or pubic hair are also indicators of Tanner stage 2. If puberty is not paused shortly after this stage, the physical changes may become irreversible.
For transgender youth, puberty blockers are essential for mental well-being and for expressing their gender identity authentically. They help prevent the potential need for future medical interventions to reverse unwanted physical changes that occur during puberty. For example, if a transgender male undergoes a typical female puberty and develops breasts, they might later require gender-affirming surgery to alleviate discomfort and dysphoria.
Puberty blockers are also prescribed for children experiencing precocious puberty, which is when puberty begins unusually early—before age 8 for those assigned female at birth and before age 9 for those assigned male. In these situations, doctors may recommend puberty blockers to halt the progression of puberty, allowing the child to catch up later.
Both cisgender and transgender children can benefit from the use of puberty blockers.
Are Puberty Blockers Safe?
Yes, puberty blockers are safe and reversible, and they do not affect fertility. Potential side effects include pain at the injection site, headaches, fatigue, weight fluctuations, mood changes, or irregular periods for those whose menstruation wasn’t entirely stopped.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
The risks associated with denying access to puberty blockers can be more harmful than the risks of providing them. Children with untreated precocious puberty face significant behavioral and emotional challenges, including heightened risks of substance abuse, social isolation, risky sexual behavior, and self-image issues.
Transgender youth experience similar risks. The benefits of puberty blockers—improved mental health, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced social interaction, and decreased instances of self-harm and suicidal thoughts—far outweigh the potential downsides.
Despite this, politicians continue to restrict access to vital medical care for transgender youth, denying them the support they need. The motivations behind these laws often stem from ignorance, fear, or personal beliefs rather than the best interests of the children involved.
As a society, we must question whether these lawmakers will also deem puberty blockers unnecessary for cisgender children. If they do, that is a grave oversight; if they don’t, it highlights a clear bias against transgender individuals.
Politicians need to cease their regulation of gender-affirming, life-saving medical care; their actions do not protect children but rather perpetuate ignorance and harm.
For more insights on related topics, check out this helpful post on puberty blockers and consider visiting Make A Mom for detailed information on home insemination kits. Additionally, the CDC offers excellent resources on pregnancy and assisted reproductive technologies.
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Summary
Puberty blockers are essential medications for transgender youth, allowing them to delay unwanted physical changes during puberty. These treatments are safe, reversible, and crucial for mental health. Despite the growing number of restrictive laws, it is vital to understand that access to puberty blockers not only benefits transgender youth but also those experiencing precocious puberty. It is imperative to ensure that all children receive the support they need to thrive.