Fact Check: Trump's Misleading Statements on Gender-Affirming Surgeries in Schools
Trump's Claims on Gender-Affirming Surgeries
Former President Trump has repeatedly made false statements claiming that schools are sending children for gender-affirming surgeries without parental consent. This misinformation has been thoroughly debunked by various sources, including CNN.
No Evidence of Such Practices
Despite Trump's assertions, there is no evidence that US schools have engaged in sending minors for any form of surgical intervention concerning gender identity without the parents' knowledge or approval. All surgical procedures legally require parental consent, as confirmed by health professionals.
Expert Opinions on Gender Affirmation
- Landon Hughes, a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard, stated there are no instances of minors receiving surgeries through schools.
- Dr. Meredithe McNamara emphasized that all surgeries must happen within qualified medical facilities.
- Gender-affirming care guidelines advocate for the need for parental consent in all medical treatments for minors.
Trump's campaign and various conservative groups were unable to present evidence supporting his claims, reinforcing the consensus that such incidents do not occur in the educational system.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In the US, even non-surgical gender-affirming treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy require explicit parental consent. This is in line with guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health.
Experts reiterate that before any gender-affirming surgery can happen, a thorough evaluation process must be conducted by an interdisciplinary team, which includes obtaining informed consent from both parents and the adolescent.
Understanding the Reality of Surgical Practices
The incidence of gender-affirming surgeries for adolescents is extremely low compared to adults, with the majority of procedures performed on those over 18. The points made by Trump do not reflect the reality of healthcare practices in the US.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.