A heated exchange unfolded on CNN between host Brianna Keilar and Alliance Defending Freedom president Kristen Waggoner concerning the long-term implications of gender transition treatments for minors. Keilar challenged Waggoner's assertion that children might later regret these decisions, suggesting some young people possess sufficient understanding of potential consequences like sterility and cardiovascular risks.
The discussion stemmed from the Supreme Court's hearing of U.S. vs. Skrmetti, a case challenging Tennessee's ban on puberty blockers and gender-affirming surgeries for minors. Waggoner's organization, ADF, represents states with similar legal battles. Keilar repeatedly attempted to broaden the conversation to encompass transgender adults, a claim Waggoner refuted, emphasizing the focus on minors.
Keilar questioned the potential for these laws to be viewed negatively in the future, prompting a discussion about public confusion on the issue. Waggoner highlighted the ACLU and Biden administration's stance, arguing they are attempting to establish a constitutional right for children to access transition procedures, thereby precluding further debate. She stressed the importance of prioritizing scientific evidence over ideology, citing statistics suggesting a high percentage of gender-questioning youth ultimately reconcile with their biological sex. Waggoner cautioned that puberty blockers could lead to irreversible changes and lifelong medical dependence.
Waggoner further emphasized the potential for harm from these procedures, highlighting the scientific consensus against them. She reiterated her belief that evidence-based medicine should take precedence over gender ideology. This CNN interview followed a separate appearance by ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio, who argued the Supreme Court case. Strangio acknowledged that parental, not child, consent drives these medical decisions. He framed the issue as parents acting in their children's best interests based on medical advice and criticized Tennessee for overriding parental authority.
