Assistant Secretary of Health Rachel Levine has dismissed critics of new federal guidelines that recommend “gender mainstreaming” for transgender minors, saying no salt-worthy doctor opposes it.
“Gender-promoting care” refers to the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy in children and adolescents who identify as transsexual.
Levine, who is transgender, commented to NPR last week as he criticized states such as Florida and Texas for questioning the practice.
She said such opposition led to “harassment, scapegoat and deliberate abuse” of transgender children.
There is no dispute between medical professionals – pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists, adolescent doctors, adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, etc. “On the value and importance of gender-based care,” Levine told NPR.
Her comments came after Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo rejected federal practice when his office published opposing new guidelines last month.
Florida’s chief surgeon, Dr. Joseph A. Ladapo, spoke at a news conference with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on January 3, 2022. AP / Wilfredo Lee
Ladapo said children with sexual dysphoria should receive counseling, not medical intervention, arguing that a high percentage of young people eventually lose their desire to change their gender.
Levine dismissed Ladopo’s position in an interview with NPR and said he was motivated by political rather than medical imperatives.
She claims that Ladopo’s recent guidelines are not supported by the predominance of the medical community.
Levine, the highest-ranking transgender member of the government, added that Florida’s actions sparked suicidal thoughts among transgender youth.
“Gender-promoting care” refers to the use of blockers for puberty and hormone therapy in children who identify as transsexual.AP / Robin Rayne
“The language of medicine and science is being used to lead people to suicide,” she said.
But Florida officials again rejected her appointment Monday, citing a letter written by a group of doctors questioning the use of medical procedures on transgender youth.
“The state’s chief surgeon believes the guidelines and fact-checking speak for themselves,” spokesman Jeremy Redfern said in a statement. “The burden of proof in support of the strange allegations made in the NPR falls on Dr. Levine.”
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