Medical organizations supporting irreversible transgender procedures for minors are facing scrutiny after a tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota. On Wednesday, a man identifying as transgender, 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire, killing two children and injuring 18 others before taking his own life.
Westman, who was previously known as Robert, had begun identifying as female during his teenage years. In the aftermath of the shooting, several writings were found that revealed his struggles with his gender identity and expressed deep regret about his transition. He left behind a journal filled with troubling thoughts, including a statement where he wished he had never "brain-washed" himself into being transgender.
In his writings, Westman expressed confusion about his identity, saying, "I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man." These reflections raise questions about the claims made by major medical organizations that the regret rate for those who transition is very low.
The shooting coincided with the release of leaked footage by Daily Wire host Ben Shapiro. In this footage, American Medical Association President Bobby Mukkamala and a transgender-identifying expert suggested that only about 2% of individuals regret undergoing transgender procedures. However, this statistic comes from a study that only measured regret after surgery and did not consider the experiences of many children who have been prescribed puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones.
Shapiro criticized the AMA for its handling of regret data and called for a reevaluation of how young people are treated in relation to gender identity. He emphasized that mental health assessments are crucial before any medical transition.
Following the shooting, lawmakers, including House GOP Whip Tom Emmer, voiced their concerns, stating that policies in Minnesota have encouraged confusion among young people regarding their gender identity. Emmer described Westman as someone who had serious mental health issues that were not properly addressed.
The tragic event has sparked a broader discussion about the treatment of transgender youth and the responsibilities of medical organizations in guiding these vulnerable individuals. As the community processes this heartbreaking incident, calls for change and a reassessment of current practices are gaining momentum.
