Dr. Moss,

The decision by Nemours to no longer accept new minor patients into its gender clinic reflects the growing mountain of evidence exposing the irrevocable harm these experimental treatments are causing to minors. To fail to respond to this evidence is to continue participating in the greatest medical scandal in recent history. 

Gender transition creates irrevocable medical harm, does not solve underlying mental health issues including suicide ideation, and fails to acknowledge the natural inability of minors to fully comprehend and consent to life-altering procedures.

The gender transition process – puberty blockers, cross-sex hormone therapy, and surgeries – is an experimental process that induces permanent negative medical conditions. The medical literature confirms that children placed on a regimen of puberty blockers followed by cross-sex hormones are virtually guaranteed to be sterile [Hembree et al., 2017]. Puberty suppression also harms bone development, placing adolescents at risk of lifelong osteoporosis [Klink et al., 2015].

A landmark Swedish cohort study found that individuals who underwent surgical transition had suicide rates nearly 20 times higher than the general population [Dhejne et al., 2011]. More recent research has shown that, while a few temporary improvements may occur, long-term psychiatric distress and suicidality remain elevated even after medical transition [Littman, 2021]. Another recent study suggests that transition in fact increases the risk of suicide [Straub et al., 2024].

Children simply lack the maturity to weigh permanent consequences. Documents leaked in 2024 from WPATH showed that even the leading experts in transgender health acknowledge a minor and vulnerable adult’s inability to give full informed consent to these procedures [Environmental Progress, 2024]. It is irresponsible to operate as though a child has the decision-making capacity to understand the long-term effects of sterilizing drugs and surgeries.

Meanwhile, detransitioners are coming forward in growing numbers, courageously testifying about the irreversible damage done to their bodies and minds. Studies document this growing population, who often feel betrayed by a system that failed to protect them [Littman, 2021]. Many are now pursuing legal action against the medical institutions and adults who permitted these interventions when they were too young to understand.

It is for all of these reasons that I urge you to lead the hospital in responding responsibly to the evidence, stand with courage against powerful and cultural forces that demand otherwise, and work to end these interventions completely. Please, Dr. Moss, for the sake of all families throughout Delaware, lead Nemours in placing the well-being of children first, upholding the highest standards of medical ethics and embrace the true meaning of the Hippocratic Oath: “First, do no harm.”