Page 2 | Please could you invite Hilary Cass?

BonfireLady · 20/10/2024 14:43

DadJoke · 20/10/2024 14:06

As she is someone who clearly accepts the scientific validity of gender identity, that transgender people need the best healthcare in the nhs and that puberty blockers are potentially a valid treatment for dysphoria, it would interesting to read an AMA, to contrast with more extreme views here.

I agree with most of what you say here.

Where I would differ is the use of the phrase "extreme views". People either believe everyone has a gender identity (I agree Cass seems to believe this) or they don't. I don't believe it. I do accept that to believers, the existence of a gender identity feels "scientific"... even though there is never any scientific proof available.

By virtue of my lack of belief, I can't imagine any scenario where it would be ethically sound to treat a developing child - where their distress could be autism/puberty-related, internalised homophobia or disassociation from their body after sexual assault, for example - with a physical intervention. The feeling of mismatch between the body and mind is most likely best addressed with therapeutic care for any child who experiences this distress. Particularly as it is readily acknowledged that puberty blockers have an unknown impact on the developing teenage brain.

I wouldn't call my view extreme though. However, as you say, it'll be good to hear the viewpoint of a believer who has a paediatric background on how the evidence-based approach would work when people from MN ask questions about this kind of thing.

nocoolnamesleft · 20/10/2024 14:41

Having read her report, I have the utmost respect for Dame Cass and would absolutely welcome such an opportunity.

SquirrelSoShiny · 20/10/2024 14:15

GailBlancheViola · 20/10/2024 14:14

Yes, MN please do invite Dame Hilary Cass and I agree with UtopiaPlanitia that this could be the best format:

Is it feasible to do a livestream video event with Justine (or other host) posing questions from Mumsnetters? I think that would be a better format than the usual guest threads where fewer questions get answered because reading and typing responses takes longer than speaking.

Yes it was excellent when Helen Joyce was on.

GailBlancheViola · 20/10/2024 14:14

Yes, MN please do invite Dame Hilary Cass and I agree with UtopiaPlanitia that this could be the best format:

Is it feasible to do a livestream video event with Justine (or other host) posing questions from Mumsnetters? I think that would be a better format than the usual guest threads where fewer questions get answered because reading and typing responses takes longer than speaking.

DadJoke · 20/10/2024 14:06

As she is someone who clearly accepts the scientific validity of gender identity, that transgender people need the best healthcare in the nhs and that puberty blockers are potentially a valid treatment for dysphoria, it would interesting to read an AMA, to contrast with more extreme views here.

Janeaustensquill · 20/10/2024 14:02

I would be really interested to hear Dr Cass explaining how the GI clinics will work for young people

Datun · 20/10/2024 07:26

I'd be very interested in this.

And in terms of it being Mumsnet and how suitable that is?

Mumsnet is where the biggest group of stakeholders over children's health all gather together.

There isn't a more appropriate place.

One of the world's most famous paediatricians talks to the world's largest gathering of parents?

Yes please!

PIKNIK20 · 19/10/2024 22:34

That would be great. She was very measured on Woman's Hour

thirdfiddle · 19/10/2024 18:44

This would be great, I do hope Dr Cass is willing and MN can make it happen.

TheABC · 19/10/2024 15:47

Please invite her

SinnerBoy · 19/10/2024 14:47

Thanks for this, kiterunning, I'd certainly be very interested in seeing her interviewed here.

premierleague · 19/10/2024 14:42

Yes please!

bignosebignose · 19/10/2024 13:03

Definitely interested in this.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 19/10/2024 08:38

Yes please. Her work has been a game changer in establishing the need for evidence based treatment for vulnerable children .

Original poster

kiterunning · 19/10/2024 08:13

@CeruleanDive
I didn't realise that she'd been involved in this. Thank you for your interesting post.

OP posts:

MsGoodenough · 19/10/2024 07:59

Yes please!

CeruleanDive · 18/10/2024 18:57

Dr Hilary Cass also previously stood up for children over safety concerns at Great Ormond Street Hospital:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/jun/26/great-ormond-street-hospital-gagging-doctor-cass

It would be very interesting to talk to her.

alittlebitonthego · 18/10/2024 18:36

WomenInConstruction · 17/10/2024 12:04

She took on a really challenging task, potentially quite a poisoned chalice and incredibly stressful but also important. And pulled it off very well. She must be quite an incredible lady, I would love to see / join in a conversation with her.

Perfectly worded, thank you. A please from me as well.

NoBinturongsHereMate · 18/10/2024 18:29

I'd love Baroness Cass to be asked a wider question about scientific and journalistic rigour and whether there is an increasing issue with neutrality and evidence-based research in both. Don't want to waste her time though. There will be better questions.

That's an excellent question.

Catsinpartyhats · 18/10/2024 16:16

Would also be interested

VermillionGreen · 18/10/2024 16:10

Yes please

MassiveWordSalad · 18/10/2024 16:08

Adding my support, please invite her. Her work will hopefully be instrumental in safeguarding children.

CeruleanDive · 18/10/2024 16:02

It would be excellent if she was willing to.

Britinme · 18/10/2024 15:59

Yes please.

QAOPspaceman · 18/10/2024 15:17

kiterunning · 16/10/2024 08:44

There are so many questions about the follow-up to her report.
It would be great to have a chance to clarify proposed treatment/therapy for children and also to thank her!

Yes please