Transgender Health Policy

HHS released an updated November evidence review on youth gender dysphoria that authors defended amid backlash and which the department says updates a May report; HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. called prior “gender-affirming” interventions for minors harmful and “malpractice,” and Assistant Secretary for Health Brian Christine warned of long-term risks including loss of fertility. HHS says it invited groups including the Endocrine Society and the AAP to peer review the report but they declined, while the Endocrine Society responded that use of puberty blockers and hormones in youth is rare, cautious, and associated with improved well‑being; the author roster includes affiliations such as MIT, Duke, SEGM and the Manhattan Institute.