CMS Puts Child Sex Change Providers on Notice

On March 5, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) sent out an alert to healthcare providers notifying them of their “obligation” to protect children from harmful sex change interventions.

The notice references the wealth of research demonstrating how there is no strong evidence to support the efficacy of so-called “gender-affirming care.” This includes the Cass Review, the exhaustive study of gender transition services in the United Kingdom that found “remarkably weak” evidence to support child sex change interventions.

Moreover, the notice cites Do No Harm’s research project, “Major Pediatric Gender Studies, Major Flaws,” which identified several of the most often-cited studies ostensibly supporting child sex change procedures and exposed their methodological flaws.

“CMS reminds hospitals that it is of utmost importance that all providers follow the highest standards of care and adhere closely to the foundational principles of medicine, especially as it comes to America’s children,” the notice reads. “This CMS alert to providers on the dangerous chemical and surgical mutilation of children, including interventions that cause sterilization, is informed by a growing body of evidence and protective policies across the world.”“

“CMS may begin taking steps to appropriately update its policies to protect children from chemical and surgical mutilation,” the notice continues.

The notice follows on the heels of President Trump’s executive order cracking down on the child sex change interventions and restricting taxpayer funding of the procedures. That order is currently being contested in the courts.

“The medical experts and advocates working with Do No Harm to protect our country’s children welcome and applaud the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alert to providers emphasizing their obligation to protect American children from irreversible harm from the child transgender industry,” said Stanley Goldfarb, MD, Chairman of Do No Harm.

“Science and highest standards should guide medical care, especially as it comes to America’s children,” said Dr. Goldfarb.