Part 2 in 4-part series, ‘Mutilation or Healthcare?’
By Alison Despathy
Recent reports from concerned parents and young adults in Vermont indicate that Community Health Centers including Planned Parenthood are providing free testosterone to young adult women equipped with online coupons and seeking to ‘transition’. This ‘healthcare’ business may be a welcome revenue stream for health clinics often struggling and seeking financial assistance. ‘Gender affirming care’ is quite possibly a golden ticket as the number of youth and young adults seeking ‘treatment’ has increased.
Individuals utilizing these facilities indicate that medication such as testosterone, with well-known side effects and risks, is given to young adults without testing, baselines, screening or counseling sessions required prior to offering prescriptions. This fact rightly shifts the limelight on the role of health centers in directing this wild west mutilation masquerading as healthcare.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, testosterone injections have possible side effects that can include: allergic reactions, blood clots, heart attacks, increases in blood pressure, overstimulation of red blood cells, enlarged breasts, liver injury, mood swings, irritability, hostility, sleep apnea, disturbed breathing, strokes, swelling, thoughts of suicide, or self-harm, and feelings of depression.
Are those seeking prescription testosterone receiving a comprehensive benefit risk analysis to help ensure informed consent?
Historically the world has been outraged upon discovering abusive and mutilating practices such as clitorectomies. The horrors of eugenics, forced sterilization and lobotomies are well known and have left a permanent scar on many families and the history of humanity. Keep in mind these were supported by the medical community and ‘science’ at the time. History is seething with experimentation on children, slaves and war prisoners. Human rights organizations work tirelessly to eradicate ongoing abuse. A legitimate question arises. Is the use of powerful prescription drugs and surgically induced mutilation acceptable today in our youth?
Do those choosing this path understand the full impact of a lifetime of dependency on big pharma, serial felons convicted of false advertising, experimentation, fraudulent research and contractually driven to increase profits for shareholders. From Vioxx to opioids to price gouging and experimentation on children in the Global South, big pharma’s products, research and actions should be continually scrutinized and heavily regulated. How much is big pharma monetarily contributing to the trans influence culture and nonprofits focused on promoting high risk, controversial medications and procedures in our children?
In his book, Deadly Medicines and Organised Crime- How big pharma has corrupted healthcare, author Dr. Peter Gotzsche offers a simple thesis, “Medicines are produced by organized crime syndicates.” While acknowledging the many valuable drugs, Dr. Goetzsche’s details eery comparisons between the activities of organized crime and the largest drug companies with their criminal convictions of marketing harmful, often fatal drugs, substantial fraud, price manipulation and concealment of evidence.
A shocking review of Dr. Gotzsche’s book, found on National Institute of Health, hits the nail on the head, “The billions of dollars in fines levied against them (pharmaceutical companies) for these offences pales in comparison to the profits they continue to make, so these convictions are merely the cost of doing business.”
Benefits of testosterone can include increased energy, mental acuity and improved mood. For those struggling with mental health issues, suicide or depression, testosterone may create a false sense of improvement and reinforce that ‘treatment’ is helping and ‘changing their gender’ will solve their problems and end the torment they have suffered.
On top of the controversial prescriptions and surgical procedures available, many young women have found themselves at the emergency room in respiratory distress with breathing difficulties from banding their breasts tightly and regularly. There are videos and online support groups for those choosing this self-harm. As a clinical nutritionist, who has worked with eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and body dysphoria for 25 years, the patterns and triggers are similar to these rising cases of youth gender dysphoria today. This trans crisis in youth demands deeper attention, research and intervention by responsible healthcare professionals, scientists and parents.
On April 27, The Telegraph reported that the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom has issued new guidance that every child referred to a gender clinic will be “screened for neurodevelopmental conditions,” such as autism and ADHD. A recent review conducted by UK pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass indicated disproportionate mental health conditions among young people with gender dysphoria.
The Telegraph shared that, “As part of a proposal to incorporate Dr. Cass’s recommendations, the health service will move away from the “medical model” operated by the controversial Tavistock’s Gender Identity Development Service in favor of a “holistic” approach.”
Also noted in the Telegraph is Professor Michael Craig who led the NHS National Autism Unit from 2007- 2023 and estimated that half of the patients seen by Tavistock’s clinic had autism. Dr. Cass’s review identified the connection between undiagnosed autism in adolescent girls struggling with gender identity, suicidal ideation and self-harm. Cass identified autism as the “common denominator” with one study finding that transgender people were three to six times more likely to be autistic than those who are not.”
The UK is attempting to research and understand this crisis in our precious youth. Parents and providers questioning this ‘gender affirming care’ trajectory and trying to navigate this confusing, emotionally painful situation are often shamed and attacked. Meanwhile, some providers promote these scientifically unsubstantiated ‘treatments’ and guide vulnerable youth to ‘gender affirming care’ outcomes. With so much unknown about this trans mania, it is urgent that we demand answers for the sake of our children’s health and future.
The author is a clinical nutritionist and educator living in Danville.