Minors can easily access cross-sex hormones online, new report warns
Even as more than two dozen states have banned minors’ access to cross-sex hormones, a new report notes that children can still obtain estrogen and testosterone online with little oversight, giving rise to distribution networks for "homebrewed" hormones.
The advocacy group Do No Harm stated in a report on Tuesday that trans-identified children can obtain through the internet cross-sex hormones designed to make them take on an appearance that aligns with their stated gender identity rather than their biological sex.
“A cursory internet search for information related to pediatric medical transition reveals a host of resources directing users to online pharmacies, distribution networks for ‘homebrewed’ hormones and guides on self-administering cross-sex hormones,” the report stated. “In just a few clicks, users can find discussion forums on major social media sites like Reddit dedicated to enabling ‘gender transitions’ absent professional oversight.”
The report cited research from the Manhattan Institute identifying the “TransDIY” Reddit forum as “rife with requests for help finding cross-sex hormone vendors, with users asking questions such as which online pharmacies could ship to their state.” It also highlighted how one website “lists several online pharmacies located on multiple continents from which minors can procure cross-sex hormones,” adding the disclaimer that “getting hormones without a prescription is against the law.”
Another website profiled in the report includes a list of “‘unregulated’ online pharmacies from which users can purchase hormones, with language stating these pharmacies do not require prescriptions.”
“Many of these pharmacies do not appear to require a prescription or verification of a customer’s age at any point before prompting the customer to submit payment information," the report states.
After listing several international and domestic pharmacies that enable minors to purchase cross-sex hormones online, Do No Harm called on Congress to “hold hearings about this relatively new issue to determine whether additional legislation is necessary to ensure the health and safety of patients." The organization also urges the Food and Drug Administration to “investigate online pharmacies that appear to be skirting safety rules and take appropriate enforcement action.”
“On the state level, state executive branches should investigate and prosecute online sellers if they are in violation of existing state prohibitions on cross-sex hormones for minors and, where applicable, practicing pharmacology without an appropriate license,” the report added. “States should also consider passing new legislation, as needed, to close any loopholes and strengthen enforcement against such vendors.”
In a statement reacting to the report’s release, Do No Harm Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Miceli said that children with gender dysphoria shouldn't "be able to purchase potent, experimental medications with just a few simple clicks.”
The report cited some of the long-term consequences of cross-sex hormones for minors that have informed state-level bans, including “infertility, increased risk of heart attacks and increased risk of cancer.” Additional possible long-term impacts identified by the American College of Pediatricians include an increased risk of strokes, diabetes and blood clots.
"These hormones carry significant risks, including effects that can be irreversible," he said.
Currently, 26 states have laws banning minors with gender dysphoria from obtaining cross-sex hormones: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report warning against "invasive" and "usually irreversible" medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria.
