More Resources from the American College of Pediatricians
Don Johnson
Earlier this week, David Potter pointed us to the American College of Pediatricians and their position paper “Gender Ideology Harms Children.” Subsequently, a friend pointed out to me that this group of doctors is a social conservative group. On taking a closer look, we see that they are speaking out on numerous subjects. In the area of sexuality in particular, they have published several statements online. These statements are of significant interest to believers. Perhaps you may find them resources for your own ministry, so here are some highlights:
Abortion and the Risk of Breast Cancer: Information for the Adolescent Woman and Her Parents
ABSTRACT: Studies from many nations suggest that induced abortion (IA) may be a causal risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Researchers agree that IA contributes to the increased risk of breast cancer by delaying the timing of a full-term pregnancy which is a protective factor. Increasing numbers of studies now show that IA prior to 32 weeks in and of itself is a risk factor for breast cancer due to the physiology of breast development and the manner in which abortion interferes with the maturation of the breast cells. Although largely ignored by the mainstream medical community, this risk information deserves a prominent place in the education of all adolescent women who may, in the future, consider an IA.
Emergency Contraception – Not the Best for Adolescents
ABSTRACT: A policy of either pre-prescribing “emergency contraceptives” to adolescent patients, or making them available without prescription, carries significant medical risk and is counterproductive to the parent-adolescent and patient-physician relationships. The American College of Pediatricians recommends instead that health professionals encourage good adolescent-parental communication, and teach adolescent patients the benefits of delaying sexual activity until marriage and how to avoid early sexual debut.
Empowering Parents of Gender Discordant and Same-Sex Attracted Children
ABSTRACT: A pre-school boy insists on dressing like a girl. A 5 year old girl refuses to wear dresses and insists that one day she will grow a penis. A teen boy has just announced to his family that he is “gay”. How should physicians advise parents to respond?
Homosexual Parenting: Is It Time For Change?
ABSTRACT: Are children reared by two individuals of the same gender as well adjusted as children reared in families with a mother and a father? Until recently the unequivocal answer to this question was “no.” Within the last decade, however, professional health organizations,1 academics, social policymakers and the media have begun asserting that prohibitions on parenting by same-sex couples should be lifted. In making such far-reaching, generation-changing assertions, any responsible advocate would rely upon supporting evidence that is comprehensive and conclusive. Not only is this not the situation, but also there is sound evidence that children exposed to the homosexual lifestyle may be at increased risk for emotional, mental, and even physical harm.
The American College of Pediatricians strongly endorses abstinence-until-marriage sex education and recommends adoption by all school systems in lieu of “comprehensive sex education”. This position is based on “the public health principle of primary prevention – risk avoidance in lieu of risk reduction,” upholding the “human right to the highest attainable standard of health.”
Psychotherapy for Unwanted Homosexual Attraction Among Youth
ABSTRACT: Although there are no scientific studies which evaluate psychotherapy for unwanted homosexual attraction (UHA) among adolescents, there are four studies that examine “sexual orientation change efforts” (SOCE) among adults which have been referenced to support legislative efforts to ban minors from receiving psychotherapy for UHA. This review critically examines each of those four studies. Pediatricians, mental health providers, educators, and policy makers need to know there is no evidence that psychotherapy for UHA is any more or less harmful than the use of psychotherapy to treat any other unwanted psychological or behavioral adaptation. Therefore, science does not support laws that prohibit minors with UHA from receiving psychotherapy in accordance with their personal goals and values.
On the Promotion of Homosexuality in the Schools
ABSTRACT: School officials are being increasingly pressured by pro-homosexual organizations to integrate homosexual education into school curricula. These organizations recommend promoting homosexuality as a normal, immutable trait that should be validated during childhood, as early as kindergarten. These organizations also condemn all efforts to provide treatment to gender confused students, advocating instead the creation of student groups that affirm homosexual attractions and behaviors.
Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA – traditionally called ‘Abstinence’) Education
The American College of Pediatricians strongly endorses Sexual Risk Avoidance (SRA, formerly referred to as ‘abstinence’) education and recommends its adoption by all school systems in lieu of “comprehensive sex education.” This position is based on “the public health principle of primary prevention – risk avoidance in lieu of risk reduction, upholding the human right to the highest attainable standard of health.
Some observations:
- These articles are not written from a Biblical perspective, though they seem to often reflect Biblical values. Their value lies in providing data that support a Biblical worldview.
- The subjects addressed are distasteful to Christian consciences, but they are rampant in our current culture. The material offered here may offer some help in connecting with needy souls whose only hope is a spiritual regeneration by faith in Jesus Christ.
Last, from the “About” page of the ACP, some information about their organization:
The American College of Pediatricians is a national organization of pediatricians and other healthcare professionals dedicated to the health and well-being of children. Formed in 2002, the College is committed to fulfilling its mission by producing sound policy, based upon the best available research, to assist parents and to influence society in the endeavor of childrearing. Membership is open to qualifying healthcare professionals who share the College’s Mission, Vision and Values. The College currently has members in 47 states, and several countries outside of the US. The College is a not-for-profit corporation organized for scientific and educational purposes, exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
Don Johnson is the pastor of Grace Baptist Church of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.