Bowling Green Today

U.S. Senator Rand Paul, serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has addressed a letter to National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Monica Bertagnolli. The letter seeks information concerning reports that findings from a $5.7 million federally funded study on puberty-blocking drugs for transgender youth have been withheld due to political considerations by researchers.

The correspondence highlights allegations involving Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, who led the NIH-funded Trans Youth Care study. It is claimed that Dr. Olson-Kennedy deliberately obstructed the publication of results which suggested that puberty blockers did not lead to mental health improvements in adolescents with gender dysphoria. Dr. Olson-Kennedy reportedly admitted blocking publication to prevent these findings from being used in court cases challenging state laws regarding puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors.

Senator Paul underscored concerns about ethical and transparent use of taxpayer-funded research, stating these actions "raise serious questions." He emphasized the importance of publishing taxpayer-funded research in line with NIH Public Access Policy so medical professionals can access all available scientific data when making clinical decisions.

The letter requests comprehensive records related to the Trans Youth Care study by December 26, 2024. These include communications within NIH regarding the study, documents on its findings, records on funding and publication processes, and any relevant litigation documents.

The request also seeks records held by Dr. Olson-Kennedy concerning communications and findings about puberty blockers as well as documentation on decisions to publish or withhold study outcomes.

This inquiry aligns with the Committee's authorization under Rule XXV of the standing Rules of the Senate and Senate Resolution 59 of the 118th Congress to investigate governmental operations' efficiency and economy.

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