Concerns Arise Among Emergency Room Staff Near St. Louis Gender Clinic Over Lack of Boundaries, According to Report

Concerns Raised about Treatment of Trans-Identifying Patients at Children's Hospital

Emergency room workers at a children's hospital in St. Louis have expressed concerns about the treatment of young trans-identifying patients who come to the ER in crisis. They worry that these patients are never denied hormone treatments, even if they have significant psychiatric issues. In February, a former case manager at the hospital's Transgender Center made whistleblower allegations, claiming that the gender clinic had quickly put children on hormone treatments without ensuring they and their families were fully informed about the potential side effects, some of which can be serious.

Inadequate Care for Trans-Identifying Children Seeking Psychiatric Help

According to a report by The New York Times, there has been a recent increase in trans-identifying children seeking psychiatric help at a hospital's emergency room. These children were found to be taking hormones but were not receiving the necessary therapy alongside it, as warned by emergency room doctors.

Concerns about Lack of Counseling Requirements for Patients on Hormone Treatments

A clinic's nurse has expressed concerns about the lack of counseling requirements for patients who are continuing hormone treatments. The clinic has seen a significant increase in trans-identifying children seeking services, with four or five new patients calling the clinic every day in 2021, compared to only four or five new patients a month in 2018. Internal documents indicate that about 73% of these new patients are girls.

Accusations of Inadequate Care and Improper Practices at Transgender Youth Clinic

According to a report by The New York Times, a clinic that specializes in treating transgender youth has been accused of inadequate care and improper practices. The clinic allegedly relied on inexperienced therapists to determine if children were psychologically ready for puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones, leading to some children with red flags in their medical histories being put on gender hormone regimens. Furthermore, the report states that some of these patients later stopped identifying as transgender and did not receive any support from the clinic.

Confidential List of Patients with Complex Psychiatric Diagnoses

Reed, a clinic and its nurse have maintained a confidential list of 60 patients with complex psychiatric diagnoses, evolving gender identities, or challenging family circumstances. The list includes patients who have stopped taking their schizophrenia medication, those who experience hallucinations, and individuals who have spent an extended period in a psychiatric unit.

Concerns Raised about UK Gender Identity Clinic

According to the New York Times, a clinic in the United Kingdom that specializes in gender identity services has been accused of inadequate care and support for transgender patients. The clinic allegedly failed to properly assess patients before providing hormone treatments and surgeries, leading to some individuals experiencing regret and detransitioning. The article highlights specific cases, including a patient who detransitioned and requested a voice coach and autism screening, and another who regretted a mastectomy and sought breast reconstruction. Additionally, a patient claimed that the clinic did not adequately address her mental health concerns while prescribing testosterone. These allegations raise concerns about the quality of care provided by the clinic and the potential impact on transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming treatments.

Investigations Launched into Clinic

Missouri's Republican attorney general has opened an investigation into a clinic following whistleblower allegations made by Reed, a former case manager. The investigation is still ongoing. Additionally, Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, has also launched an investigation into the clinic, which is also ongoing.

Concerns about Long-Term Effects of Gender Hormone Treatments and Surgeries

An internal investigation conducted by Washington University, in affiliation with St. Louis Children's Hospital, has determined that claims made by a certain individual named Reed are "unsubstantiated." In recent years, there has been growing concern among critics regarding the long-term effects of gender hormone treatments and surgical procedures, particularly when it comes to children.

Potential Health Risks of Puberty Blockers and Cross-Sex Hormones

Puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, commonly used in gender transition, have been found to carry significant health risks. Puberty blockers can impact bone growth and density, leading to potential long-term effects on skeletal health. They may also cause sexual dysfunction, voice damage, and infertility. On the other hand, cross-sex hormones can result in infertility, dangerous blood clots, heart attacks, and increased risks of breast and ovarian cancer. Other potential complications include liver dysfunction and exacerbation of psychological illnesses. It is important for individuals considering these treatments to be aware of these potential health risks.

Increase in Gender Surgeries and Elective Mastectomies

According to a recent analysis published in JAMA Network Open, the number of gender surgeries in the U.S. has nearly tripled from 2016 to 2019. In 2016, there were approximately 4,550 procedures, which increased to around 13,000 in 2019. The analysis also revealed that a significant number of teen girls in the U.S., some as young as 12, have opted for elective double mastectomies to remove their healthy breasts in relation to their gender identity.