Full Breakdown
Coalition of States Challenges AMA's Support for Youth Gender Treatments
2/24/2026, 2:56:08 AM
Overview of the Core Event
A coalition of 20 state attorneys general, led by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, is pressuring the American Medical Association (AMA) to clarify its stance on puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors. This follows the AMA's recent withdrawal of support for gender-related surgeries in children, which the coalition argues highlights inconsistencies in the AMA's policies regarding treatments for gender dysphoria.
Key Concerns Raised
In a letter addressed to AMA CEO Dr. John J. Whyte, the attorneys general expressed concern that the AMA's endorsement of hormonal treatments for minors is not supported by robust evidence, similar to the lack of evidence cited for surgical interventions. The letter states, “The quality of evidence is the same as it is for surgeries: low and very-low quality.” The coalition referenced systematic reviews from the Department of Health and Human Services and Dr. Hilary Cass, which found insufficient evidence for the safety and efficacy of these treatments.
Official Statements & Responses
Marshall emphasized the need for scientific honesty, stating, “You cannot dismiss one intervention as unsupported while continuing to push the rest. When children’s lives and futures are at stake, anything less than full scientific honesty is reckless.” The letter also warned that the AMA's current position could mislead the public and potentially violate Alabama's consumer protection laws, which prohibit misleading claims about the benefits of goods or services.
Legislative Actions and Advocacy
In parallel, Rep. Bob Onder, a Republican lawmaker from Missouri, is introducing the Chloe Cole Act, aimed at blocking gender-related medical procedures for minors. This legislation is inspired by the experiences of detransitioner Chloe Cole, who argues that minors are often rushed into irreversible treatments without fully understanding the consequences. Onder's bill seeks to hold medical professionals accountable for the outcomes of such procedures.
Cole stated, “We must finish what we’ve started and safeguard the next generation from these experimental and barbaric treatments.” The act is part of a broader movement, supported by various states, to restrict access to gender-affirming procedures for minors.
Criticism & Opposition
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed opposition to laws that discriminate against transgender individuals and interfere with the doctor-patient relationship. Critics of the coalition's actions argue that such legislative measures could undermine the rights of transgender youth and their families to access necessary medical care.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the AMA has acknowledged the lack of evidence supporting surgical interventions for minors, the coalition's letter raises questions about the validity of hormonal treatments, suggesting that both areas lack sufficient scientific backing. Additionally, the AMA has not yet publicly responded to the coalition's inquiries, leaving some questions about its position unanswered.
What's Next
The AMA has been given until March 25 to respond to the coalition's letter. As the debate continues, various states are moving forward with legislation aimed at restricting gender-related medical procedures for minors, reflecting a growing national conversation about the treatment of gender dysphoria in youth.
