At what point should a transgender child be able to decide to undergo gender reassignment treatment?
The topic of transgender treatments for children has emerged as a new area of debate that was previously not recognized in mainstream media. With it emerges a host of questions surrounding age, consent, and morality. In this essay, gender reassignment treatment shall be defined as a physical alteration that changes the biology of a child. By recognizing that such treatment benefits children’s mental health and gives them greater autonomy, this essay argues that transgender children should be able to make this decision when they have been determined by a medical professional to be mentally competent. The criteria these professionals use should be based on the child’s level of maturity and understanding of the implications of their decisions.
Perhaps the most compelling argument in favor of this idea is that gender reassignment treatment can prove life-saving in many instances. Prior to transitioning, transgender children deal with a myriad of mental health issues related to gender dysphoria. For instance, they face, on average, higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Therefore, allowing transgender children to physically transition, when deemed mature or competent enough, can be considered as a form of healthcare. Gender-affirming care has the power to save lives, which is a benefit that cannot be understated.
Furthermore, allowing transgender children to undergo treatment is a step forward in recognizing their autonomy and right to make choices about their own bodies. Thus, they should be allowed to access treatment as early as when a medical professional deems them ready. Much like no one would deny a child the right to get vaccinated or get an abortion (in the UK), no one should deny a transgender child the right to do what they feel is best for their mental and physical health. In general, granting all children a greater degree of self-autonomy is important to building a future where they can be confident and comfortable in their own bodies. This is especially true when a child is deemed mature and responsible enough to make such decisions.
On the other hand, critics may argue that a transgender child should only make this decision when they become an adult. They argue that children do not have the mental capacity to make life-altering decisions before they reach adulthood. However, I argue that it is enough if a medical professional, such as a psychiatrist, judges a child to be ready to undergo gender reassignment treatment. Whereas the opposing side’s belief is a matter of personal opinion, a medical professional can give an expert and unbiased opinion. Therefore, their judgment should be held in a higher regard than simply the opinion of unqualified people.
Additionally, if transgender children were made to wait all the way until adulthood to undergo treatment, they may be faced with irreversible damages. As stated previously, the inability to access gender-affirming care can have devastating mental health consequences for transgender children.
To conclude, this essay reaffirms the stance that transgender children should be able to make this decision when a medical professional deems them ready. It is the duty of these professionals to present unbiased opinions and they are therefore the most qualified to determine when a child can make their decision.
