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On Origins Podcast, Lauren Schwarz and Arthur Rousseau discuss their chapter in The War on Science, focusing on gender-affirming care (GAC) and medical standards. They argue that the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) wields influence, with U.S. medical bodies deferring to it, while the UK’s Cass report and countries have begun to curtail such care. They describe WPATH’s standards of care (SOC 8) as presenting itself as evidence-based, lifesaving care, yet note published reviews finding the strength of the evidence often low or indirect, and that guidelines are not always consistent with the underlying literature. They recount that Johns Hopkins underwent political pressure to withdraw systematic reviews and that WPATH later imposed an approval mechanism over future publications. The speakers condemn the reliance on “lived experience” over rigorous evidence, and highlight concerns about age restrictions being removed and consent for minors to hormonal or surgical interventions. They cite a lack of long-term outcome data, no conclusive evidence that gender-affirming care reduces suicide, and cases illustrating the risks of messaging to afraid families. They call for better education, transparency, and a return to science-based medicine, while referencing the Tennessee minors’ care case and urging global alignment.

Jordan Peterson emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance while also advocating for personal responsibility and growth. He argues that identity is multifaceted, shaped by relationships with family, community, and societal ideals, and cannot be reduced to mere self-perception. Sara Stockton, a therapist with extensive experience in transgender issues, shares her concerns about the current approach to gender dysphoria treatment, particularly in children. She recounts her background in developing assessment guidelines for transgender youth and her shift away from gender-affirming practices after observing troubling trends in her practice. Stockton discusses her experiences with children questioning their gender identity, highlighting the confusion and disorientation these discussions can cause. She expresses alarm over the rush to medical interventions, noting that the current standard of care has shifted from thorough assessments to quick evaluations, often leading to irreversible decisions made without adequate understanding of the implications. She raises concerns about the lack of informed consent regarding the long-term effects of hormone treatments and surgeries, particularly for minors. The conversation touches on the societal pressures surrounding gender identity, including the influence of social media and the normalization of diverse identities. Stockton notes that many children presenting with gender dysphoria do not have a clear understanding of their feelings and that the current environment encourages rapid transitions without sufficient exploration of underlying issues. She warns against the potential for psychological epidemics, drawing parallels to past trends in mental health crises among adolescents. Both Peterson and Stockton critique the current therapeutic landscape, where affirming a child's self-identified gender often takes precedence over comprehensive psychological evaluation. They discuss the implications of this shift for the mental health of children and the ethical responsibilities of therapists. Stockton concludes by expressing her commitment to advocating for children and ensuring they receive appropriate care, free from the pressures of societal trends and medical interventions that may not be in their best interest.