Utah's Republican Governor, Spencer Cox, recently questioned the objectivity of prominent medical organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) regarding their stance on gender transition treatments for minors. During an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation," Cox defended his state's limitations on such treatments, including surgical interventions, despite the AMA, American Psychiatric Association, and American Academy of Pediatrics rejecting claims of harm.
Cox argued that these organizations have become politicized on this particular issue, making it difficult to obtain unbiased information within the United States. He pointed to the AMA's recent reaffirmation of support for treatments like puberty blockers, a resolution co-sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Cox contrasted this with the growing trend in European nations, such as the U.K., Finland, Sweden, and France, to move away from medical and hormonal interventions for minors with gender dysphoria, opting instead for psychotherapy and further research.
The governor emphasized the difficulty of having productive conversations about this complex issue in the U.S. due to the highly charged political climate. He expressed concern that the nation is ignoring the evolving scientific understanding and experiences of other countries, while thousands of young people are seeking these treatments. Cox highlighted the need for more data and information, referencing Utah's law prohibiting gender-affirming surgery on minors, which he described as a temporary pause rather than a permanent ban.
