Doctor Postpones Federally Funded Puberty Blockers Study

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, a prominent advocate for adolescent gender treatments, has postponed the publication of a federally funded study on puberty blockers due to concerns that its findings could be politically weaponized. The study, which followed 95 children over two years, found no significant mental health improvements, contrary to previous expectations and a foundational Dutch study. Critics, including fellow researchers, argue that withholding the study compromises scientific integrity and transparency. Olson-Kennedy justified the delay by suggesting the children's mental health was already stable at the outset, though earlier data indicated substantial pre-treatment mental health challenges. The delay comes amid increasing state bans on gender-affirming care for minors, highlighting the contentious nature of the topic in the U.S. political landscape.