In a groundbreaking study led by Dr. Riittakerttu Kaltiala, a former advocate for gender-transition treatments, the mainstream narrative regarding the life-saving nature of such interventions for young people has been called into question. Contrary to popular belief, the study, based on health records from Finland’s national database, reveals that gender-transition treatments have no discernible impact on suicide rates among gender-distressed individuals. Instead, the research highlights a correlation between mental illness and suicide.

The Study Design

Dr. Kaltiala’s study analyzed the health records of 2,083 gender-distressed individuals, who sought assistance at gender clinics in Finland at an average age of 18. This group was tracked for approximately 7 years. To provide a comparative context, a control group of 17,000 individuals without gender-related concerns was also examined.

Surprising Findings

The study challenges the widely held belief that gender-transition treatments, including cross-sex hormones or surgeries, are “life-saving” for young people facing gender distress. While 38% of the gender-distressed group underwent such interventions, the suicide rate observed was just 0.3%, only marginally higher than the 0.1% rate in the control group. The study categorizes both rates as “unusual events,” casting doubt on the notion that gender-transition treatments significantly impact suicide prevention.

Questioning Ethical Standards

Dr. Kaltiala criticized the common practice of gender clinics posing questions to parents such as, “Would you rather have a living son or a dead daughter?” She labeled this approach as “most unethical” and emphasized that it is not grounded in factual evidence. The study suggests a need for a more nuanced and evidence-based dialogue around gender-transition treatments.

Mental Health Correlation

While the study did not find a direct link between gender-transition treatments and suicide rates, it did unveil a “statistically significant relationship” between a high prevalence of co-occurring mental health difficulties and increased suicide risk. This highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns in conjunction with gender-related issues.

Implications and Contradictions

The research challenges the radical left-wing narrative that has been promulgated by certain medical and LGBTQ groups, claiming that the “science is settled” regarding the life-saving nature of gender-transition treatments. The study’s findings suggest a need for a more nuanced and evidence-based understanding of the complex relationship between gender dysphoria, mental health, and suicide risk.

Conclusion

Dr. Kaltiala’s study presents a significant challenge to the prevailing narrative surrounding gender-transition treatments and their purported life-saving impact on young people. By questioning the ethical standards of communication within gender clinics and highlighting the correlation between mental health difficulties and suicide risk, the research calls for a more informed and balanced approach to discussions on gender-related interventions.