By Dr. Bill Blanke
Catholic Healthcare
In a September 2022 article published in “The Message,” I shared an experience I had with a patient who was struggling with gender dysphoria. At the time, I was very uninformed about gender dysphoria. It just doesn't come up very often in my Natural Family Planning-centered practice. My knowledge has grown in the past two years.
In the spring of 2023, I was asked to be part of a series at Annunciation Parish discussing a Catholic response to gender dysphoria. Dr. Jim Ware of the University of Evansville would provide a Biblical response, and I was asked to discuss a medical response. I slowly dipped my toes into the issue of gender dysphoria and medical care, then quickly went from wading in the shallow to duc in altum. I was put out into the deep.
In the fall of 2023, the three-night parish mission was held, attended by approximately 50 people each evening. Others watched online. I admit that I was concerned before the first session as I had seen videos and read reports of angry mobs and sometimes violent reactions when this topic was presented. Thankfully, it was a respectful and attentive audience, and they expressed interest and appreciation for how the subject was addressed.
Dr. Ware and I will present this series again Sept. 22-24 at Mary Carrico Catholic School in Philpot, Kentucky. The first evening is “The God-Given Body,” the second evening is “The Gift of our Gender,” and the third evening is “The Nature of Marriage.”
There is so much that can be said, I will share only a couple of points from my reading. First, it is important to realize that this is not just a vicious political and social debate. There is a growing number of individuals, especially teens, who express questions about gender. A loving Catholic approach includes active listening, gentle questioning and sharing the truth in love. I am convinced that individuals with gender dysphoria do believe that the body is wrong and needs to be changed. The loving, and correct, approach is to help the individual to accept the body that was created “very good” as is noted in Genesis 1:31. Therapy should focus on helping the mind accept the reality of the body, and not change the body through cross-sex hormones or "gender affirming surgery.”
The second thing that stood out is that Europe is approximately 20 years ahead of America in this transgender journey. While parts of our country are plunging head first into affirming whatever adults, teenagers or even small children believe may be wrong with their bodies, Europe is starting to significantly retreat from “gender affirming” therapy.
One concern that often leads to attempts to change the body is that if someone has gender dysphoria and it is not addressed, the individual may be so depressed he or she may attempt suicide. This is a legitimate and real threat of anyone who is depressed or dysphoric about any issue.
Studies in Europe confirm that after hormonal or surgical treatment, in the short run, dysphoria and depression improve. However, in the long run, the results are absolutely disastrous. The depression and suicide rate increases to greater levels than before treatment. It is the European healthcare industry that is leading the way in scaling back these therapies as ineffective at addressing the real underlying issue. I pray that American medicine learns from our European counterparts.
During diaconate class this past weekend, Father Christian Raab discussed the deep theology of transubstantiation. During the Eucharistic prayers, the appearance of the bread and wine remains, but the substance changes to the real body and blood of Christ. It struck me that the goal of hormonal and surgical transgender treatment is to change the appearance of the body, but the substance of the individual remains the same. We don’t get to choose if we are male or female, God already chose that for us, and it is “very good.”
Theologian, author and speaker Christopher West, co-founder of the Theology of the Body Institute, said, "There is an enemy of The Word who is hell-bent on turning the great mystery of human sexuality into a great misery … We must show our sincere compassion for those who endure the gut wrenching struggle of feeling like they were born in the wrong body. But what does true charity call us to in these painful situations? Our desire must be to offer love truthfully and speak truth lovingly.”