A Case for a Moratorium on Sex-Trait Modification Medicine
Why we must close the gender clinics
1. The Absence of a Sound Evidence Base
International Medical Standards Demand Robust Evidence
In all other areas of medicine, treatments must undergo rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before becoming standard practice.
Puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones were never subjected to RCTs for gender dysphoria before their widespread adoption.
Systematic reviews from multiple countries confirm that the existing evidence is of very low quality:
Cass Review (2024, UK): Only 16% of studies on puberty blockers were deemed methodologically sound.
NICE Evidence Review (2020, UK): Found that puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones have “very low certainty” regarding benefits.
Cochrane Review (2020): Stated that no reliable evidence exists proving long-term benefits for minors.
Key Question for Policymakers and Medical Authorities
“If the best available research is unreliable, why are these irreversible interventions still allowed?”
2. Medical Ethics Require Halting Treatments Without Sufficient Proof of Safety
The Precautionary Principle in Medicine
When evidence is uncertain, the burden of proof must be on those advocating the intervention, not those calling for restraint.
The absence of proof of harm is not the same as proof of safety.
Historical Precedents for Suspending Unsafe Medical Practices
Thalidomide (1950s-60s): Once prescribed for morning sickness, later found to cause severe birth defects.
Lobotomies (20th century): Initially promoted as a psychiatric breakthrough, later abandoned due to irreversible brain damage.
Vaginally inserted surgical mesh for stress urinary incontinence: Now known to result in vaginal scarring, fistula formation, painful sex, bladder infection or perforation (piercing), bowel and nerve trauma and pelvic, back and leg pains.
Key Question for Medical Practitioners
“Would any other unproven treatment be allowed to continue under these circumstances?”
3. The Known Harms of These Interventions
Irreversible Physical Consequences
Puberty Blockers:
Cause permanent bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
Prevent normal sexual organ development, often leading to lifelong sexual dysfunction.
Cross-Sex Hormones:
Lead to sterility, with no way to restore reproductive function once puberty is suppressed.
Increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, strokes, and blood clots.
Neurological and Cognitive Risks
Puberty is a critical period for brain development, influencing cognition, emotional regulation, and socialization.
The long-term impact of blocking puberty on neurodevelopment remains entirely unstudied.
Key Question for Regulators
“Should minors be allowed to make irreversible medical decisions when we don’t even know the long-term consequences?”
4. The Growing Number of Detransitioners Demands Immediate Action
A Surge in Detransition Cases
Thousands of young adults now regret their medical transition and are speaking out about feeling misled, rushed, and unsupported.
Many report that underlying psychological distress (e.g., autism, trauma, or social pressure) was never properly addressed before they were prescribed puberty blockers or hormones.
The Medical System is Ignoring Regret Cases
Gender clinics do not track long-term patient outcomes, meaning detransition rates are likely underreported.
Many detransitioners struggle to access reparative medical care, as damage from hormones and surgeries is often irreversible.
Key Question for Policymakers
“If these treatments are truly life-saving, why are so many young people saying they were harmed?”
5. A Moratorium is the Only Responsible Path Forward
What a Moratorium Achieves
Stops the rush toward irreversible interventions that lack scientific backing.
Prioritizes psychological and holistic support over invasive medical treatments.
Forces proper long-term research to determine the true risks and benefits.
Aligns with direction of travel of international best practices, following the lead of Sweden, Finland, Norway, and the UK.
A Moratorium is Not a Ban—It is a Demand for Proper Research
Medical institutions must prove safety and efficacy before treatments resume.
Only long-term, high-quality studies can determine whether these interventions are justified.
Final Question for Society
“Why should we allow an unproven and harmful medical experiment on adolescents to continue?”
Conclusion: The Case for Immediate Action
The evidence for sex-trait modification medicine is weak, inconsistent, and methodologically flawed.
The known risks—bone damage, sterility, cognitive effects, and regret—demand a full halt until proper research is conducted.
Other countries have already taken action to restrict these interventions, recognizing the serious ethical and medical concerns.
A moratorium is not extreme—it is the only responsible and ethical course of action given the current state of evidence.
The message is clear: Until science catches up, these treatments must stop.
This is excellent, with much of the known harms and questions on efficacy succinctly named and itemized. Thank you for this resource.