Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general to investigate the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The investigation focuses on claims that the AAP provided misleading information about the use of puberty blockers in treating children with gender dysphoria.
Reports indicate that puberty blockers may have irreversible effects, such as compromised bone density, interference with neurocognitive development, and potential infertility or sterility. Despite these findings, the AAP has described the effects of puberty blockers as "reversible." This description could potentially violate the Louisiana Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act by misleading residents.
"Medical associations may not promote pseudoscience to inform patient care, especially when those patients are our children. I’m glad to join my fellow attorneys general in protecting our kids," said Attorney General Liz Murrill.
The AAP's stance was reiterated in their 2018 policy statement on gender-affirming care and reaffirmed in 2023. However, even the World Health Organization has not endorsed puberty blockers for treating gender dysphoria.
In September, Attorney General Murrill joined a group of 21 states seeking clarification from the AAP regarding possible violations of state consumer protection laws due to their statements on puberty blockers. The lack of response from the AAP prompted this formal investigation.
"The AAP has no basis to assure parents that giving their children puberty blockers can be fully reversed. It just isn’t true," stated the attorneys general in their September letter.