Full Breakdown
Alabama AG Leads Coalition Against AMA's Support for Hormonal Treatments in Minors
2/24/2026, 12:10:51 AM
Core Event: Coalition Challenges AMA's Position on Gender Dysphoria Treatments
Alabama Attorney General Stephen Marshall is spearheading a coalition of 20 states urging the American Medical Association (AMA) to cease its endorsement of hormonal therapies for treating gender dysphoria in minors. This initiative follows the AMA's recent withdrawal of support for surgical interventions for children, which Marshall argues highlights inconsistencies in the AMA's stance on treatment options for pediatric patients.
Official Statements & Responses
In a letter addressed to AMA President John Whyte, Marshall expressed concern over the AMA's continued support for puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones, stating that the evidence supporting these treatments is as weak as that for surgeries, which the AMA has now deemed unsupported. He emphasized the need for "full scientific honesty" in medical recommendations, particularly when children's futures are at stake. Marshall warned that the AMA's inconsistent policies could mislead the public and potentially violate Alabama's consumer protection laws, which prohibit misrepresentation of goods or services.
Background & Context: Shifts in Medical Guidelines
The AMA's recent shift in policy came shortly after the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommended delaying gender-related surgeries until patients reach at least 19 years of age, citing substantial uncertainty regarding the long-term benefits and harms of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. Marshall's coalition, which includes attorneys general from states such as Arkansas, Georgia, and Texas, is questioning the reliability of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) guidelines, which have been criticized for lacking scientific rigor.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Evidence Quality
Marshall's coalition argues that the AMA's support for hormonal treatments is not grounded in solid evidence, similar to the previously unsupported surgical interventions. The coalition's letter questions whether the AMA considers WPATH's guidelines to be evidence-based and reliable, given their low ratings in quality from systematic reviews. Critics of the current medical guidelines for treating gender dysphoria in minors assert that these interventions may pose significant risks, including irreversible sterilization.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Discrepancies in Medical Evidence
There is a notable discrepancy in the medical community regarding the safety and efficacy of hormonal treatments versus surgical interventions for minors. While the AMA has acknowledged insufficient evidence for surgeries, it continues to support hormonal therapies, leading to confusion among healthcare providers and families. The coalition's letter seeks clarification from the AMA on this apparent contradiction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The quality of evidence is the same as it is for surgeries: low and very-low quality.” — Stephen Marshall, Alabama Attorney General
- “When children’s lives and futures are at stake, anything less than full scientific honesty is reckless.” — Stephen Marshall, Alabama Attorney General
- “If you agree that there is insufficient evidence to support using surgical interventions to treat gender dysphoria in minors — as your recent statement indicates — we do not understand how you can find that there is sufficient evidence to support using hormonal interventions to treat gender dysphoria in minors,” — Stephen Marshall, Alabama Attorney General
As the coalition awaits a response from the AMA, the implications of this challenge could significantly impact the treatment landscape for minors experiencing gender dysphoria across the United States.
