ACPeds Applauds and Endorses the Groundbreaking HHS Peer-Reviewed Report on Sex-Identity Disorder

For Immediate Release
November 20, 2025
For More Information Contact:
connect@acpeds.org

ACPeds Applauds and Endorses the Groundbreaking HHS Peer-Reviewed Report on Sex-Identity Disorder

Atlanta, GA – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released an updated 400-page peer-reviewed report discrediting pediatric sex-rejecting procedures. This groundbreaking report supersedes the department’s initial groundbreaking report released in May 2025.

The report finds that the harms from sex-rejecting procedures— including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical interventions—are significant, long-term, and too often ignored or inadequately tracked. These conclusions confirm the findings of President Trump’s Make America Healthy Again Commission, which identified unnecessary procedures and long-term health risks, including infertility, as consequences of the over-medicalization of children.

The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) applauds and endorses this report and its findings coincide with what ACPeds has independently researched and the information we provide at biologicalintegrity.org.

The following are quotes from ACPeds leadership in response to this new report.

Dr. Michael Artigues, ACPeds President:

“It is refreshing that the dangers of social and medical transitioning of children with gender dysphoria are finally being recognized by those in our country at the national level. These treatments and procedures are based on poor-quality studies and assumptions that put children at risk. In this politically charged environment, where trust in the medical community is at an all-time low, we at the American College of Pediatricians hope this strong statement by HHS will send a clear message for all those involved to take a much closer look at the evidence and lack thereof in this field of pediatric medicine.”

Dr. Quentin Van Meter, ACPeds Past President:

“From the beginning, the American College of Pediatricians has opposed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ stance on the promotion of harmful interventions and has consistently advocated for a safe, evidence-based approach to treating individuals with sex-identity disorder. We have long recognized the serious, lifelong risks associated with chemical interventions, such as puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, as well as the unethical and dangerous nature of surgical procedures performed on minors.

ACPeds applauds the leadership of HHS and the NIH, as well as the nine peer reviewers who contributed to this report. We commend their boldness and courage in speaking out against the system of harmful medical practices and advocating for the safety and well-being of all children.”

Dr. Jill Simons, ACPeds Executive Director:

“This report should mark a turning point in mainstream medicine and a wake-up call to doctors, parents, and policymakers on the clear and evident dangers of chemical and surgical sex-rejecting interventions. It is time for our colleagues at AAP to listen to tens of thousands of doctors and peers who are rejecting these harmful protocols. We invite pediatricians to join ACPeds — a trusted and science-based alternative to AAP.”

Dr. Michelle Cretella, ACPeds Chair of the Adolescent Sexuality Committee:

“The HHS Report, its bipartisan authors, and peer reviewers are to be commended. A child’s sex is not a disease. Sex-rejecting drugs and surgeries cause permanent harm to vulnerable children. No child is born in the wrong body. Every child has the right to be nurtured through natural puberty into an adulthood where they can flourish in their own skin.”

To arrange an interview with a representative of ACPeds please contact connect@acpeds.org.

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About the American College of Pediatricians

The American College of Pediatricians is a national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children. For more information, please visit: acpeds.org.