Overview
- The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions held a hearing in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, June 3 that examined gender-transition procedures for minors and heard testimony from patients, clinicians, and legal advocates.
- Chloe Cole, a 21-year-old detransitioner, told senators she had a double mastectomy at 15, described permanent scars and medical complications, and said her parents were pressured to approve treatment with warnings her mental health would rapidly worsen if she did not transition.
- Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for LGBTQ Rights, said decisions about gender-affirming care belong to parents, patients, and clinicians and should not be politicized.
- Dr. Kurt Miceli of Do No Harm argued that professional groups such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health steer care by ideology rather than science, and Sen. Bill Cassidy raised concerns about incentives for providers; no legislation was proposed at the hearing.
- Senators split sharply over the hearing’s purpose, with Sen. Bernie Sanders calling it a poor use of committee time and emphasizing how few young people receive such care, while supporters say the testimony strengthens calls for federal oversight and further review of clinical guidelines.