Researcher Withholds Gender Clinic Study Results Citing Political Concerns

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy admits delaying publication of federally-funded study on puberty blockers due to fear of political misuse.

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy leads a $10 million study at the largest youth gender clinic in the U.S., focusing on the effects of puberty blockers and hormones on young children with gender dysphoria.
The study, involving nearly 100 children with an average age of 11, found no mental health improvements from treatments, but noted lasting side effects like sexual dysfunction.
Olson-Kennedy has not published the results, stating concerns about the findings being 'weaponized' in political debates.
Past studies, such as a 2011 British research, also delayed publication due to similar concerns, despite finding no mental health benefits from medical interventions.
The debate over transgender medical treatments for minors continues, with some countries like the UK restricting such treatments to controlled trials amid questions about their scientific basis.