New US Health Report Sparks Fears of ‘Conversion Therapy’ for Trans Youth

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A controversial new report released by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has raised alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates and medical experts, who say it dangerously opens the door to discredited and harmful practices like conversion therapy.

The 400-page review, published on 1 May, evaluates healthcare treatments for young people with paediatric gender dysphoria. It was commissioned following a January executive order by Donald Trump, who declared it federal policy to recognise only “two sexes.”

The report questions the validity of well-established medical interventions such as puberty blockers for trans youth, citing a “lack of evidence,” and instead recommends so-called “exploratory therapy.” Critics argue this term is a thinly veiled reference to conversion therapy, which seeks to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity — a practice widely condemned by medical authorities.

Advocates Sound the Alarm

Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, called the report “grossly misleading,” adding:

“This so-called guidance is in direct contrast to the recommendation of every leading health authority in the world. It amounts to nothing more than forcing the same discredited idea of conversion therapy that ripped families apart and harmed gay, lesbian and bisexual young people for decades.”

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Conversion therapy has been denounced by nearly every major medical and psychological organisation worldwide. Practices range from talk therapy and religious interventions to more extreme and abusive methods like food deprivation, exorcisms, and physical violence.

The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention, reports that young people exposed to conversion practices are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide and 2.5 times more likely to report multiple attempts compared to those who are not.

A ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Misleading’ Report

Casey Pick, director of law and policy at The Trevor Project, criticised the report’s scientific foundation and lack of consultation with actual trans healthcare providers.

“Claiming that transgender status can be changed is contrary to science and the guidance of every reputable US medical association,” Pick said. “It places unnecessary blame on parents, families and communities that support trans people.”

Sinead Murano-Kinney, a health policy analyst at Advocates for Trans Equality, went further, describing the report as:

“A wilful distortion of the evidence, intended to stoke fear about a field of safe and effective medicine that has existed for decades.”

While the full impact of the report’s recommendations remains to be seen, early responses from the LGBTQ+ community and health professionals make it clear: this guidance is seen not just as unscientific, but as actively harmful to the well-being of trans youth.

Need support? You’re not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. Services across Aotearoa offer confidential, free support, especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Support Services in New Zealand:

• OUTLine – 0800 688 5463
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• RainbowYOUTH – www.ry.org.nz
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• InsideOUT – www.insideout.org.nz
  Resources, workshops, and advocacy for rainbow young people and school communities.

• Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
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• Youthline – 0800 376 633, text 234, or chat at www.youthline.co.nz
  Support for young people via phone, text, or webchat.

Remember: reaching out is a sign of strength. You matter. You’re loved. You belong.

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