A decision to make as an adult
Historically, several individuals identified as the “first” to receive “gender-confirming” procedures in the USA and in other countries. Today those names and dates are not crucial. What is important is the fact that these treatments were performed on adults who made their own choices.
Their appearances changed; their lives changed. But their DNA did not.
For the last few years, we have been encouraged to “Follow the science.” According to the National Human Genome Research Institute of the NIH, “Humans have 22 pairs of numbered chromosomes (autosomes) and one pair of sex chromosomes (XX or XY), for a total of 46.” Science further claims that genetic thread is not altered by hormones or surgery.
Media report protests about school curricula and library holdings at schools and in public libraries. Parents demonstrate on both sides of the issue. Some advocate for First Amendment rights of “free speech” (publication). Some advocate the role of parents in making decisions for minor children and question the appropriateness of sexualizing young children. They claim that schools even hide transgender information and transitioning from parents. Sometimes those claims are met with denials. But in June 2023 at a New York City Drag March, the chant was “We’re coming for your children.” In July 2023 transgender (as an adult) Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine advocated hormonal treatments for children to avoid “the wrong puberty.”
At this point, I won’t even consider the moral issues with this topic.
Society has set age limits on working, purchase of firearms, driver’s licenses, military service, marriage, drinking, smoking, voting, seeking elected office, etc. The age of majority (adulthood) is between 18-21, as determined by states. The question then becomes the age for transitioning to the other gender — Who decides? The child? The parents? (Yes, both parents) A teacher? The school?
Yet to be determined.
How do some detransitioners describe the process?
On her 19th birthday in July 2023, Chloe Cole began her testimony before Congress with these words: “My name is Chloe Cole and I am a detransitioner.” Her appeal to Congress is summarized by these words: “I speak to you in the hope that you will have the courage to bring the scandal to an end, and ensure that other vulnerable teenagers, children and young adults don’t go through what I went through.” Chloe made her decision at the age of 12. She informed her parents of her decision via a letter. When they sought medical help, the professional response was: “Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living transgender son?” At that point she was not suicidal. She became suicidal the day after her double mastectomy at age 16. She ended her plea with these words: “Enough children have already been victimized by this barbaric pseudoscience.”
Detransitioner, 21-year-old Soren Aldaco is suing the health care professionals for $1 million for her physical and mental scars. At seventeen she visited a nurse practitioner who prescribed massive amounts of drugs at her first visit, without consulting her parents or explaining any of the risks associated with those drugs.
Another detransitioner, 25-year-old Prisha Mosley, revealed that her health care professionals claimed that changing her body to look male would cure her mental health problems. It did not.
Parents frequently hear the choice of a dead child following the biological gender or a living child if “gender-affirming” care is provided, a phrase deemed “emotional blackmail” by many parents.
The opposite is the reality of a member of the First Nation in Canada where it is possible to request euthanasia. Lois Cardinal underwent a vaginoplasty in 2009 and soon regretted the procedure due to painful complications. Cardinal’s request in 2023 for assisted suicide was denied. But with the expanded program in March 2024 to allow persons with mental health issues to request euthanasia, Cardinal may attain the requested state-sanctioned suicide. The suicidal desire came after the transitioning procedures.
At least 12 states have banned or limited gender-affirming health care for young people. In 2023, Minnesota, as well as California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, expanded services to children and protected the health care providers while denying parental rights. Some refer to Minnesota as a “sanctuary state” on this issue.
A popular mantra is: “My body, my choice.” Maybe it should refer only to an adult choice for self, not for minors, nor by minors.
This is the opinion of Times Writers Group member Phyllis E. VanBuren, a lifelong learner and enthusiastic educator, who values family, friends, faith, honesty, liberty and integrity. Her column is published the fourth Sunday of the month.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Gender-confirming procedures for adults, not children
