Latest news and developments in the national debate over gender ideology:
Detransitioner Wins Malpractice Settlement: Oregon detransitioner Camille Kiefel reached a malpractice settlement after therapists referred her for irreversible surgery without adequate psychological evaluation.
DOJ Investigates Illinois Schools: The DOJ is investigating 36 Illinois school districts over parental rights, gender indoctrination, and possible Title IX violations.
Sincerely,
The Biological Integrity Team
The American College of Pediatricians
FEATURED: ACPEDS EXPERT INSIGHT
Protecting and Healing Youth from Gender Ideology
Summary: Dr. Cretella explained that the best way to protect children from transgender ideology is to become educated and to parent authoritatively. Even then, some youth may still fall prey to this dangerous ideology. In that case, family and individual therapy to identify and address underlying causes will provide the best outcomes.
Abbreviated remarks from the Child Protection League conference in Minneapolis, MN on April 25, 2026:
“Prior to the early 2000s, it was widely accepted that healthy psychological development aligns with physical reality. Accordingly, when youth consistently and persistently insisted they were not their sex, they were diagnosed with Gender Identity Disorder and underwent thorough psychosocial evaluations, followed by watchful waiting and treatment of underlying conditions. In 2007, Dr. Norman Spack opened the first U.S. pediatric gender clinic dedicated to medical transition at Boston Children’s Hospital. By 2013, the DSM-5 replaced the diagnosis of “Gender Identity Disorder” with “Gender Dysphoria” because influential members of the American Psychiatric Association wanted a “less stigmatizing” diagnosis.
Shortly thereafter, the standard of care shifted toward the social, medical, and surgical alteration of young bodies to align with their atypical gender identities. This was claimed to be an ‘evidence-based’ way to improve the mental health of gender-dysphoric youth and prevent suicide.
However, several international reviews of scientific literature since 2019 confirm that affirming atypical pediatric gender identities socially and medically does not improve mental health or reduce suicidality. Instead, both carry significant health risks. After reviewing these findings, I concluded that professional psychotherapy is a best and safe way to treat youth with gender-identity distress.”
Dr. Michelle Cretella
Chair of the Adolescence Sexuality Committee, American College of Pediatricians
Detransitioner Malpractice Lawsuits Are On The Rise
Camille Kiefel, an Oregon detransitioner who underwent a double mastectomy after two brief therapist evaluations, reached a confidential settlement in her malpractice case against the mental health professionals who referred her for the unnecessary sex-rejecting surgery. Kiefel alleged the therapists failed to conduct adequate psychological assessments, overlooked her trauma and mental health history, and did not fully explain the risks of irreversible medical intervention.
Camille and her case are just one among many. More than 25 such cases have now surfaced, reflecting a growing number of malpractice lawsuits filed by detransitioners against medical providers involved in sex-rejecting surgical interventions.
DOJ Investigates 36 Illinois School Districts for Gender Indoctrination
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened civil rights investigations into 36 Illinois school districts over teaching lessons on sexual orientation and gender ideology without notifying parents or offering them the opportunity to opt their children out. Federal investigators are also reviewing whether district policies on bathrooms, locker rooms, and girls’ sports comply with Title IX protections based on sex, and not minor’s self-identification.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said the investigations are focused on protecting parental rights and ensuring schools are not keeping families in the dark about ideologically driven curricula.
