Dr Hilary Cass Criticizes 'Disinformation' Around Transgender Children Treatment Review

Dr Hilary Cass, the paediatrician behind a landmark review on transgender children's treatment in the UK, has criticized the spread of 'disinformation' around her report, including from Labour MP Dawn Butler. Cass said the criticisms of her research are 'inaccurate' and 'unforgivable', and that she has received online abuse and safety concerns, including being advised not to travel on public transport.

The Cass Review, which made over 32 recommendations to restructure the medical system for transgender youth care, found that the evidence base for gender care in young people was thin and children had been let down by a 'toxic' public discourse around gender. Cass accused Butler of making 'completely wrong' assertions about the data and findings in the report.

Why this matters: The Cass Review's findings have significant implications for the treatment of transgender youth in the UK. The spread of misinformation and the toxic debate surrounding the report highlight the polarized nature of the issue and the challenges in ensuring appropriate care for vulnerable young people.

Cass revealed that she has been sent 'vile' emails and given security advice to keep her safe following the report's publication. She expressed frustration with the 'childish' nature of the debate, where she is called 'transphobic' or a 'TERF' (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) if she disagrees with someone.

Despite the abuse and misinformation, Cass remains resolute in her findings, which concluded that "the entire field of medicine aimed at enabling children to change gender had been built on shaky foundations" and that there was no good evidence to support the global clinical practice of prescribing hormones to under 18s. Cass also confirmed that she will not be involved in the upcoming review of adult gender clinics due to the abuse she has suffered.

Key Takeaways

• Cass criticized 'disinformation' around her review on transgender youth care.
• Cass accused MP Dawn Butler of making 'completely wrong' assertions about the report.
• Cass faced online abuse and safety concerns, including advice not to use public transport.
• The Cass Review found limited evidence to support current gender care practices for youth.
• Cass will not be involved in the upcoming review of adult gender clinics due to abuse.