HHS finalizes report on gender-affirming care for youth, medical groups push back

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a final version of its report on pediatric gender-affirming care on Wednesday, claiming it found "medical dangers posed to children," which is receiving pushback from medical groups.

The report alleged that gender-affirming care -- including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender-affirming surgeries -- caused significant, long-term damage.

It comes after HHS published in May an early version of what it referred to as a "comprehensive review" of transgender care for children and teens, in which it called for a broader use of psychotherapy for young people with gender dysphoria rather than gender-affirming medical interventions.