A study funded by the US government attempting to prove the efficacy of giving puberty blockers to so-called “trans kids” has been buried by researchers after the results were contrary to what they had hoped.
The New York Times, of all outlets, reported on a study led by Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy on the effects of puberty blockers in children. Dr. Olson-Kennedy is a prominent advocate for so-called gender-affirming care.
“I do not want our work to be weaponized,” she told the Times on Wednesday, later adding that the data might help those prove in court that “we shouldn’t use blockers because it doesn’t impact them.”
Olson-Kennedy’s $9.7 million (USD) study began in 2015. The study involved 95 participants with an average age of 11, aimed to assess the impact of puberty blockers on mental health outcomes.
After two years of follow-up, the study found no significant improvements in the mental health of the participants.
“They’re in really good shape when they come in, and they’re in really good shape after two years,” Olson-Kennedy said.
Smith moves to ban puberty blockers from being given to youth
Earlier this month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced that the UCP government will soon enact legislation aimed at delaying gender transition decisions until adulthood.
Smith’s announcement came a few months after the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) found there is not enough evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of puberty blockers, and banned the prescription of them to youth aged 16 and under.
