Credited from: NEWSWEEK
A recent study has shown that **fewer than 1 in 1,000 U.S. adolescents** with commercial insurance received gender-affirming medications such as **puberty blockers or hormones** over the past five years. This research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, serves as a reliable estimate amidst ongoing legislative debates regarding healthcare for transgender youth. The findings reveal that **only 926 adolescents** were prescribed puberty blockers, while **1,927 received hormones**, indicating that under **0.1%** of all youth in the studied database accessed these medications.
The analysis utilized a **large insurance claims database** that included over **5 million patients** ages 8 to 17, covering all 50 states but excluding those with Medicaid. The results suggest that **no patients younger than 12** were prescribed hormones, suggesting that doctors are exercising cautious judgment when deciding to initiate such treatment. Lead researcher Landon Hughes, a Harvard researcher, stated, “We are not seeing inappropriate use of this sort of care,” emphasizing that it is “**certainly not happening** at the rate people often think it is.” He aims for the study to contribute to a more accurate understanding of the usage rates for gender-affirming care.
Recent political discussions often lack data regarding the **use of gender-affirming medications**, leading to misleading claims. The study's conclusions counterbalance these assertions by presenting a clear picture: **access to transgender healthcare among adolescents is very low**. As the Supreme Court prepares to rule on **gender-affirming care**, it's important to recognize that **at least 26 states** have enacted restrictions or bans against such treatments for minors, many of which are currently facing legal challenges.
Dr. Scott Leibowitz, co-lead author of adolescent standards of care for the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, noted that not all transgender youth pursue medical treatments aligning with their gender identity. Leibowitz emphasized, "Transgender adolescents come to understand their gender at different times and in different ways,” advocating best practices that involve **careful evaluation** and collaboration with families.
As discussions around gender-affirming care continue, this study is critical in establishing the **low prevalence of these treatments** and in ensuring that the public is informed of the realities as the **Biden administration** stands alongside parents seeking access to necessary medical care for their children. For further details, you can read the original articles from [AP News](https://apnews.com/article/transgender-hormones-puberty-blockers-youth-562cba3c3ae43e88d5144f7adb4efd7c) and [Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/tiny-percent-teens-receive-gender-affirming-care-study-shows-2010428).