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Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (“puberty blockers”) have rapidly become the preferred method of treatment for childhood gender nonconformity or for teenagers experiencing various levels of gender dysphoria. Use of these drugs raises questions regarding the ability of prepubescent children to give an informed consent to life-altering interventions with unknown future effects. The article argues the use of puberty blockers fails to meet the standard of informed consent.
Keywords: gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, puberty blockers, informed consent, gender affirmative model.
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Cite as: J. Alan Branch, “Does the Use of Puberty-Suppressing Drugs Satisfy the Requirements of Informed Consent?” Ethics & Medicine 38, no. 1–2 (2022): Early Access.
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About the Author
J. Alan Branch, PhD
J. Allan Branch, PhD is Professor of Christian Ethics at Midwestern Seminary where he has served since 2001. He currently serves as a Research Fellow in Christian Ethics for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, is a regular presenter at the Evangelical Theological Society, and frequent contributor to Baptist Press and the Missouri Baptist Pathway. In addition, he served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserves from 2009 to 2013 and served a tour in the Middle East from 2011 to 2012. He preaches frequently and has served as interim pastor for churches in Kansas and Missouri. Dr. Branch and his wife, Lisa, have two daughters.