Physicians Unethical to Withhold All Facts from LGBTQ Youth
GAINESVILLE, Fla.,
June 25, 2013
/Standard
Newswire/ --
The American College of Pediatricians (the College)
applauds raising awareness of the health disparities among youth who
claim a non-heterosexual identity, and is committed to promoting the
best for all children. However, the College disputes the recent policy
statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) claiming
that elevated health risks associated with non-heterosexual sexual
activity are due primarily to social stigmatization, and that
pediatricians should affirm non-heterosexual attractions in adolescents
as normal.
In its call to affirm LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
questioning) youth, the AAP overlooks the best interest of these
adolescents. Despite the AAP claim to the contrary, there is no evidence
that the grave health risks, self-destructive behaviors, and struggles
with self-image associated with the LGBTQ lifestyle are caused primarily
by social stigmatization; the same elevated rates exist in countries
long accepting of these lifestyles. Delaying all sexual activity and
delaying "coming out" during adolescence is the best way to avoid these
negative consequences.
Savin-Williams and Ream in their 2007 research documented so many
changes in sexual attractions among youth that they questioned whether
the concept of sexual orientation had any meaning for adolescents.
Seventy-five percent of adolescents who had some initial same-sex
attraction between the ages of 17-21 ultimately declared exclusive
heterosexuality.
Moreover, contrary to the AAP statement, rates of success and negative
effects of psychotherapy aimed at changing homosexual attractions are on
par with those of therapy aimed at other behavioral challenges. Not
only is psychotherapy therefore appropriate to offer any questioning
adolescent but it is unethical to withhold it.
Dr. Den Trumbull, president of the American College of Pediatricians
states, "In many cases, youth experience sexual confusion. They need the
private counsel of their parents, and sometimes the assistance of a
therapist. They do not need persons of authority affirming that these
feelings of same-sex attraction are inherent or fixed for life."
The College encourages pediatricians to welcome all adolescents.
Patients expressing gender confusion or same-sex attractions need
factual advice from their doctors, and sensitivity and patience from
their families as they navigate the course together.
For more information on sexual development of youth, visit www.FactsAboutYouth.com or the College website, www.Best4Children.org.
The American College of Pediatricians is a national medical
association of licensed physicians and healthcare professionals who
specialize in the care of infants, children, and adolescents. The
mission of the College is to enable all children to reach their optimal
physical and emotional health and well-being. For more information about
the College, please visit our website www.Best4Children.org.
Standard
Newswire
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To: National Desk
Contact: Den Trumbull, MD, FCP, American College of Pediatricians, 888-376-1877
American College of Pediatricians
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