Karen Bercovici’s guest column, “We need to rethink ‘gender care’ for our children” (Gazette, Nov. 14) is full of debunked arguments. It is based on a recent, discredited UK review of other transgender studies by Dr. Hillary Cass. But Cass’ findings are hardly a gold-standard of scientific truth. Medical, psychiatric, and law school experts at Yale University’s Integrity Project have concluded Cass’ review is based on misleading data and a blinkered ignorance of the extensive evidence that contradicts Cass’ reactionary, politicized conclusions. (Google “Yale Integrity Project Cass” for more.)

As one counter-example consider a 2018 Cornell University review of 55 peer-reviewed studies of gender-affirming care programs around the world. Ninety-three percent of those studies found improved well-being, with 7% reporting null or mixed results. None of the 55 studies reported net harm to patients. Debates over transgender medical policies and priorities can certainly be helpful and important, especially in the light of Republicans’ ruthless attacks on trans people in the recent election. But actual debates demand good-faith arguments and real scientific data. Cass’ review, and Bercovici’s rehash of it, offer neither.

Margo Anderson

Easthampton