Chloe Cole speaks out against gender treatments for minors

Cole’s perspective is underscored by a new database from the advocacy group Do No Harm, which reveals that over 5,700 minors received gender-affirming surgeries between 2019 and 2023, with significant financial implications totaling nearly $120 million. She asserts that the statistics challenge claims from medical professionals and politicians who suggest that such cases are rare. Cole’s experience, including a double mastectomy at age 15, highlights her belief that many children are being rushed into irreversible treatments without adequate understanding of the long-term consequences. She advocates for increased awareness among parents and policymakers to protect children from potentially harmful medical interventions.

Data on Gender Treatments for Minors

The recent findings from Do No Harm’s database indicate a substantial increase in gender-affirming treatments for minors, emphasizing regional disparities in care. For instance, California and Massachusetts reported the highest expenditures on such treatments, with California alone accounting for over $28 million in charges for more than 2,000 patients. The data suggests that certain states, particularly those with more liberal policies, are more likely to provide these medical interventions.

Advocacy and Concerns

Chloe Cole’s statements reflect a broader concern among critics of pediatric gender treatments, who argue that the science behind these interventions is flawed and that children may face significant harm. Cole’s call for scrutiny of these practices aligns with growing public and political debates about the appropriateness of gender-affirming care for minors, as well as the responsibilities of medical professionals in guiding young patients through complex decisions about their identities and health.