Official announcement or report by NIH or relevant oversight body

Dr. Olson-Kennedy Withholds $9.7 Million NIH Study on Puberty Blockers' Mental Health Impact

Oct 23, 2024, 10:43 PM

Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy of Children's Hospital Los Angeles has reportedly withheld publishing the results of a nine-year, $9.7 million NIH-funded study on puberty blockers in transgender youth. The study found that the drugs did not improve mental health outcomes for children experiencing gender dysphoria. According to The New York Times, Dr. Olson-Kennedy expressed concerns that releasing the findings could result in the data being "weaponized" by opponents of gender-affirming care for minors. The decision to withhold the study's results has sparked controversy and raised ethical questions about transparency and research ethics, particularly when studies are funded by taxpayer dollars.