Fact Check: "Youth without gender-affirming care could face suicide risk."
What We Know
Research indicates that transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth experience significantly higher rates of mental health issues, including depression and suicidality, compared to their cisgender peers. A study published in JAMA Network Open found that among TNB youths, 43.3% reported self-harm or suicidal thoughts at baseline, and those who received gender-affirming care, such as puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones, had a 73% lower odds of suicidality after one year compared to those who did not receive such care (Tordoff et al., 2022).
Additionally, a narrative review of 23 studies on gender-affirming treatment outcomes indicated that most studies reported a reduction in suicidality following such treatments, although it noted a need for more rigorous research to confirm these findings (Jackson, 2023). The evidence suggests that gender-affirming care is associated with improved mental health outcomes and reduced suicide risk among TNB youth (HHS, 2023).
Analysis
The claim that youth without gender-affirming care could face an increased risk of suicide is supported by substantial evidence from multiple studies. The findings from Tordoff et al. (2022) demonstrate a clear correlation between the initiation of gender-affirming treatments and a significant decrease in suicidality among TNB youth. The study's methodology, which included a diverse cohort and utilized validated mental health assessment tools, adds credibility to its conclusions.
Conversely, some sources argue against the necessity of gender-affirming care, suggesting that the suicide risk among transgender youth may not be as high as reported or that it could be comparable to other at-risk youth groups (Shumser, 2023). However, these claims often lack the robust empirical support found in studies that advocate for gender-affirming care. For instance, while some studies suggest that anti-trans laws correlate with increased suicide attempts among transgender youth (NPR, 2024), they do not provide a direct counterargument to the benefits of gender-affirming care.
The majority of reputable studies, including those reviewed by Jackson (2023), support the assertion that gender-affirming care is crucial for reducing suicidality in TNB youth. The ongoing debate highlights the need for further research, particularly to address potential confounding factors such as psychiatric comorbidities and social support, but does not negate the existing evidence of risk associated with the absence of such care.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that youth without gender-affirming care could face suicide risk is substantiated by multiple studies indicating that gender-affirming treatments significantly lower the odds of suicidality among transgender and nonbinary youth. The evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that access to gender-affirming care is critical in mitigating mental health risks, including suicide.
Sources
- Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths: JAMA Network Open
- Suicide-Related Outcomes Following Gender-Affirming Treatment: PMC
- SOU economist study on gender-affirming care, reduced suicide risk: Southern Oregon University
- Gender-Affirming Care and Young People: HHS
- Suicide, Suicidality, and Pediatric Medical Transition: Harvard Law Review
- The Myth About Suicide and Gender Dysphoric Children: North Dakota Legislature
- More trans teens attempted suicide after states passed anti-trans laws: NPR
- Youth face a mental health perfect storm. Here's how to help: World Economic Forum
