Michael Schellenberger

Rank 45 of 47

Score -111

For years, the media celebrated parents who said their children were “born into the wrong bodies” and thus required puberty blockers, hormones and surgeries to match them to their “innate gender identity.” The assumption by journalists was that children could give informed

Michael Shellenberger

@shellenberger

The UK government has approved an experiment to block the puberty of 100+ children to see if it makes them feel better. It won't. A 2015 - 2017 study already found that. And it's unethical to experiment on children, who cannot provide informed consent.

Keira Bell @KBtheYoungOG

12/18/2025, 12:53:00 PM

The statement critiques media coverage and the ethical implications of medical interventions for transgender children, focusing on consent and the role of journalism. It raises concerns about the ability of children to provide informed consent and questions the ethics of medical trials involving minors.

Principle 1:
I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
The statement aims to highlight potential harm in medical practices involving children, aligning with the principle of doing no harm. [+1]
Principle 2:
I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
It challenges media narratives, which could be seen as respecting privacy and dignity by advocating for careful consideration of children's rights. [+1]
Principle 3:
I will use my words and actions to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion.
The statement could promote understanding by encouraging dialogue on a sensitive issue, though it may also polarize opinions.
Principle 4:
I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
It engages in constructive criticism of media and medical practices, though it risks being perceived as an attack on those who support such interventions.