[Indianapolis, IN] —IYG strongly condemns the May 1 report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services attacking the evidence-based standards of care for transgender youth and throwing the weight of the federal government behind dangerous, discredited conversion therapy practices. This report is not based on science; it is simply another agenda-driven political attack on transgender young people and their families.
All young people deserve to be healthy and receive the healthcare they need—including transgender young people. This report ignores science, as well as the recommendations of every major American medical association, in its attempt to take away that essential care. The American Academy of Pediatrics has condemned the report (1) and six other leading national physician groups reiterated their opposition to government infringement on evidence-based standards of patient care in the wake of the report’s release. (2)
Rather than relying on decades of substantial peer-reviewed scientific research, this report promotes dangerous, discredited conversion therapy by another name. While transgender young people already undergo counseling as part of their extensive regimen of care, conversion therapy isn’t actually therapy. It harms young people, scapegoats parents, and divides families through blame and rejection. Most importantly, no amount of pressure or talk can make a transgender person not transgender.(3) When LGBTQ+ young people are pressured by conversion therapists to change in ways that are impossible, they can experience anxiety, depression, and are more than twice as likely to report attempting suicide. (4)
This report highlights why community support for transgender young people and their families is more critical than ever—and IYG is here to help.
IYG remains steadfast in our commitment to LGBTQ+ young people. We will continue to advocate for their right to access safe, evidence-based healthcare, to be affirmed in their identities, and to grow up supported and valued. At a time when harmful rhetoric and policies seek to erase and endanger them, we will not back down. We stand with transgender young people, their families, and the providers who care for them—and we will keep fighting until every young person can thrive without fear.
1 AAP Statement on HHS Report Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria
https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2025/aap-statement-on-hhs-report-treatment-for-pediatric-gender-dysphoria/
2 Leading Physician Groups Oppose Infringements on Medical Care, Patient-Physician Relationship
https://www.aafp.org/news/media-center/statements/oppose-infringements-on-medical-care-patient-physician-relationship.html
3 APA Resolution on Gender Identity Change Efforts
https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-gender-identity-change-efforts.pdf
4 Self-Reported Conversion Efforts and Suicidality Among US LGBTQ Youths and Young Adults, 2018
https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/10.2105/AJPH.2020.305701
