\n<\/p>\n
America\u2019s most powerful group of pediatricians, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), has called denying children puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries harmful.<\/p>\n
The Daily Wire asked the AAP outright if it believes parents who affirm their child\u2019s natural sex and refuse to provide so-called \u201cgender affirming care\u201d are abusing their children. The AAP did not respond to multiple requests for comment.<\/p>\n
A review of the group\u2019s public statements and policies suggests the group views parental non-affirmation of gender identity as a form of child abuse \u2014 something doctors should actively look for.<\/p>\n
\u201cNormalize confidential, one-on-one discussions with adolescents and young adults as part of routine adolescent medical care,\u201d states the guide. \u201cExplore whether your [electronic health record] can \u2018hide\u2019 sensitive information.\u201d<\/p>\n
The guide gives doctors a series of scripted questions to use when having confidential conversations with teens about gender identity and family dynamics, including: \u00a0\u200b<\/p>\n
\u201cIdentities grow and evolve over time. Do you want to talk more about your gender or sexuality today?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you need support or have any questions as you navigate your gender identity, sexual orientation, or relationships?\u201d \u200b<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much do your caregivers know about your identity? How does their behavior toward you\/your friends reflect that? How safe do you feel at home?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSome families may take issue with providers who address gender concerns or offer gender-affirming care,\u201d states the policy. \u201cIn rare cases, a family may deny access to care that raises concerns about the youth\u2019s welfare and safety; in those cases, additional legal or ethical support may be useful to consider.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Family Acceptance Project did not respond to The Daily Wire\u2019s request for comment.<\/p>\n
FAP\u2019s documents were taken offline after The Daily Wire viewed them.<\/p>\n
Kurt Miceli, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Do No Harm, says pediatricians should not be pushing vulnerable kids towards medical transition.<\/p>\n
\u201cLoving parents should not be treated as welfare risks requiring legal intervention; instead, they should be included as partners in supporting their child\u2019s well\u2011being, helping their son or daughter navigate distress, and fulfilling their responsibility to protect their child from irreversible harm,\u201d Miceli told The Daily Wire. \u00a0\u200b<\/p>\n
Representatives of the AAP were invited to take part in a special breakout session with government officials and child welfare leaders to discuss \u201cbig ideas\u201d for the \u201ccross-sector\u201d promotion of family acceptance programs that re-educate parents to embrace gender ideology, records show.<\/p>\n
The Daily Wire inquired about the AAP\u2019s role in this event and whether it believes pediatricians should encourage parents to be re-educated through \u201cfamily acceptance\u201d programs to prevent a child from being removed from their home. The AAP did not respond to The Daily Wire\u2019s requests for comment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe American Academy of Pediatrics claims to be a reliable guide for pediatricians and families, yet its misguided approach to children experiencing gender distress is harmful and unsupported by the evidence. Its embrace of \u2018family acceptance\u2019 frameworks \u2014 and its promotion of the Family Acceptance Project as a community resource \u2014 only heightens these concerns,\u201d Miceli told The Daily Wire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n