Claire Abernathy, who began testosterone treatment at age 14 and underwent a double mastectomy before high school, is now advocating for policies to prevent minors from undergoing medical transitions. At 21, she is detransitioning and urges lawmakers to enforce regulations on the medical industry regarding these treatments. A growing number of individuals who regret their medical transitions are sharing their experiences, highlighting concerns about rushed treatment plans and unresolved mental health issues. In response, over two dozen states have enacted laws banning gender transition drugs and surgeries for minors.
Abernathy emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws, referencing Texas's SB 14, which prohibits medical transitions for children. She noted that there have been lawsuits against doctors for violating this ban, including one involving Dr. May Lau, who lost her medical license for prescribing testosterone to minors.
Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a $10 million settlement from Texas Children’s Hospital for improper billing related to gender transitions, which includes the establishment of a detransition clinic. Abernathy mentioned ongoing health issues stemming from her transition, including vocal paralysis and complications from her surgery.
She expressed the need for better tracking and treatment of detransitioners within the medical system. Lawmakers are beginning to implement diagnostic codes to address these issues. Abernathy views the new clinic as a step toward accountability in the medical field and hopes for legislative changes that would extend the statute of limitations for lawsuits related to medical transitions.
According to the Manhattan Institute, over 7,000 girls under 18 have undergone breast removal as part of their medical transition. A study from the National Institutes of Health indicates that the average time for detransitioners to shed their transgender identity is five years, suggesting many would not meet the current two-year statute of limitations for legal action. Abernathy's advocacy focuses on protecting minors from irreversible medical decisions and ensuring accountability for medical professionals.