NE Atlanta News

Congressman Rich McCormick of Georgia and Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas have led a group of 29 lawmakers in voicing concerns over the World Health Organization's (WHO) proposed guidelines on the health of trans and gender diverse individuals. In a letter addressed to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, they pointed out issues such as lack of transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and absence of evidence-based practices in the guideline development process.

The lawmakers argue that the Guideline Development Group (GDG) has engaged in irregularities and secretive practices while allegedly manipulating scientific evidence. They also criticized the group's decision to bypass crucial evidence reviews regarding medical interventions' safety and effectiveness, raising ethical concerns.

Congressman McCormick stated, “Any guidelines that affect the health and well-being of individuals must be rooted in rigorous scientific evidence and must be free from conflicts of interest. We cannot allow the voices of powerful activists to dictate medical practices that should prioritize patient safety and health outcomes. I urge Dr. Ghebreyesus to disband this Guideline Development Group and ensure that any future guidelines are developed through a transparent, ethical, and evidence-based process.”

Senator Marshall expressed strong opposition by saying, "The World Health Organization has abandoned its mission to cater to radical globalist activists; it is past time to stop its funding and cut our losses," adding criticism about irreversible surgeries and chemical therapies related to gender identity.

The letter calls for an immediate reevaluation of the GDG's proposed guidelines to maintain WHO's credibility and protect vulnerable populations' health globally.

Among those cosponsoring this initiative are Representatives Mary Miller from Illinois, Ralph Norman from South Carolina, Doug LaMalfa from California, Troy Nehls from Texas, Lance Gooden from Texas, Mark Alford from Missouri, Dan Crenshaw from Texas, Greg Steube from Florida, Paul Gosar from Arizona, Harriet Hageman from Wyoming, Randy Weber from Texas, Claudia Tenney from New York, Keith Self from Texas, Barry Moore from Alabama, Alex Mooney from West Virginia, Dusty Johnson from South Dakota, Glen Grothman from Wisconsin, Brad Wenstrup from Ohio, Brad Finstad from Michigan; Elijah Crane also representing Arizona; Ronny Jackson representing Texas; Roger Williams also representing Texas; Andy Biggs representing Arizona; William Timmons representing South Carolina; Scott DeJarlais representing Tennessee; Josh Brecheen representing Oklahoma; Clay Higgins representing Louisiana; Michal Guest representing Mississippi.

Press inquiries can be directed to julie.singleton@mail.house.gov.