The conservative American Principles Project (APP) has released a study that aims to portray gender-affirming care as not only harmful but also a growing industry driven more by profit than patient well-being. This move has caused some controversy. This study, which arrives amid the fervor of the 2024 election season, seems to be more than just a revelation of facts; it’s a strategic effort to energize the Republican base by leveraging fears and misconceptions about transgender healthcare.
The transgender healthcare industry, which includes puberty-blocking medications, cross-sex hormones, and various surgical procedures, is reportedly booming, according to a study APP commissioned and carried out by Grand View Research. The study cites data from UCLA’s Williams Institute, noting that over 1.6 million Americans identify as transgender, including 300,000 between the ages of 13 and 17. This has driven a significant demand for transition-related procedures. However, the report seems to have an ulterior motive, one that goes beyond mere fact-finding.
The APP Study’s Findings
The APP study highlights several key points:
- Financial Burden: The total cost of transitioning can vary widely. Lifelong use of cross-sex hormones could cost up to $300,000 per person, while a full surgical transition might cost upwards of $150,000.
- Health Risks: The study emphasizes potential health risks associated with transitioning, such as increased cancer risk, nerve damage, chronic pain, sexual dysfunction, mental health issues, and the need for additional surgeries.
- Revenue Growth: The study claims that transgender surgery providers, including major health systems like Cedars Sinai and the Regents of the University of Michigan, generated over $100 million in revenue in 2022. Pharmaceutical giants Pfizer and AbbVie reportedly made $74 million and $51 million, respectively, from hormone products alone.
- Market Expansion: The report projects that the market for transgender drugs and surgeries, which was estimated to surpass $4.4 billion in 2023, could exceed $7.8 billion by 2030. APP President Terry Schilling suggests these figures are conservative, noting that the market size could potentially reach $200 billion, surpassing even the film industry.
Motivations Behind the Study
According to Schilling’s statements in the report and to Fox News Digital, the real well-being of transgender people is not what drives this industry. He claims that the growing attention and media coverage of transgender issues are disproportionately high given the relatively small population, attributing this to the lucrative nature of the industry.
“We know that there are obvious physical and psychological consequences to it, but we wanted to figure out why the industry was growing so much, why such a small population was getting so much attention and media, you know, favorable attention in our cultural arena, and we figured out very quickly that there’s a lot of money here,” Schilling said.
Political Context and Implications
The timing and tone of the APP study suggest that it is not just about informing the public but also about influencing political discourse. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, conservative groups are mobilizing efforts to rally their base by targeting issues like gender-affirming care. This study appears to be part of a broader strategy to frame transgender healthcare as a societal ill that needs urgent intervention.
The report’s release seems calculated to coincide with heightened political activity, tapping into existing fears and prejudices. By emphasizing the financial aspects and potential health risks, the APP aims to galvanize conservative voters who are wary of what they perceive as the overreach of progressive ideologies in healthcare.
Countering the Narrative: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care
It is crucial to address the APP study’s claims with a balanced perspective. Major medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA), widely acknowledge that gender-affirming care is crucial for the mental and physical health of transgender people. Studies have consistently shown that access to gender-affirming care significantly improves well-being and reduces the risk of mental health issues, including depression and suicidal ideation, among transgender people.
While the costs associated with transitioning can be high, they must be viewed in the context of the life-saving benefits they provide. For many transgender individuals, these procedures are not optional but necessary for their survival and quality of life. Moreover, the portrayal of healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies as profiteers overlooks the broader ethical commitment to patient care and the complex, often challenging, journeys of those seeking gender-affirming treatments.
Many in the transgender community view the APP study as a thinly veiled attack on their rights and existence. Activists argue that such reports fuel stigma and discrimination, making it harder for transgender individuals to access the care they need. The emphasis on detransitioners, while important to acknowledge, represents a very small fraction of the transgender population and is often exploited to undermine the legitimacy of transgender identities and healthcare needs.
Robbi Katherine Anthony, CEO of the transition tech company Euphoria, has expressed concerns about the motives behind such studies. “This isn’t about protecting anyone’s health or well-being. It’s about using fear and misinformation to push a political agenda,” she said. “We need to focus on providing accurate information and compassionate care, not on sensationalizing and stigmatizing our community.”
The Bottom Line
The APP study, with its alarming statistics and dire predictions, serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for transgender rights and recognition. While it claims to shed light on the financial and health implications of gender-affirming care, its true purpose seems to lie in mobilizing a conservative base for political gains. As the 2024 elections approach, it is more important than ever to critically examine such reports and advocate for the rights and well-being of transgender individuals, ensuring that their healthcare needs are met with empathy, accuracy, and respect.
