In April 2025, President Donald Trump made a bold proclamation that sheds light on the dangers of the modern push for gender ideology and its impact on children. The proclamation declared April to be National Child Abuse Prevention Month, but it also included a stark condemnation of what he referred to as “gender ideology,” a movement promoting transgenderism. For many Catholics, the President’s words serve as a wake-up call, urging us to reaffirm our commitment to protecting children from the harmful effects of this growing trend.
In his April 3 proclamation, President Trump declared, “Sadly, one of the most prevalent forms of child abuse facing our country today is the sinister threat of gender ideology.” This ideology asserts that an individual’s “gender identity” may differ from their biological sex, leading to calls for what is known as “gender transitions.” Such transitions involve procedures like hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and even surgeries aimed at altering one’s sex. As President Trump wrote, “Proponents of the gender ideology movement are outrageously indoctrinating our children with the devastating lie that they are trapped in the wrong body – and that the only way they can be truly happy is to alter their sex.”
From a Catholic perspective, this promotion of gender confusion directly contradicts the truth that God has created each of us in His image, as male and female (Genesis 1:27). Our faith teaches us that our bodies are sacred, a gift from God, and should not be altered to fit societal trends or personal desires. As Catholics, we must stand firm in affirming the dignity of each person as God created them, and resist any ideology that encourages children and adults to reject this divine design.
The alarming rise in the number of young people identifying as transgender has raised serious concerns. A recent study found that among 18- to 24-year-olds, those who identify as transgender have risen dramatically, from 0.59 percent in 2014 to 3.08 percent in 2023, representing a staggering 422-percent increase (according to the study). Critics, such as psychologist and author Jean Twenge, point to the role of social media in fueling what they call “social contagion,” where young people are influenced by peer groups and online communities to explore gender identity confusion. These trends are exacerbated by the cultural promotion of transgenderism, particularly among left-wing activists.
Even more troubling is the fact that these young people are increasingly encouraged to pursue medical interventions that permanently alter their bodies. President Trump highlighted the financial incentives at play, noting that “the total cost of a full ‘transition’ for a male is $87,300–$410,600, and the cost for a female is $66,500–$605,500.” The sheer lucrativeness of these procedures raises ethical concerns, particularly as medical professionals may be driven by financial motives rather than genuine concern for the well-being of their patients.
From a Catholic perspective, we are called to uphold the sanctity of the human body and the natural order established by God. Gender transitions not only defy biological reality but also carry severe physical and psychological risks. Studies show that affirming gender confusion, especially in children, can lead to serious long-term harm, including a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and even self-harm. According to the President’s proclamation, “Gender transitions… physically and psychologically harm children and adults,” particularly those who lack the maturity to make life-altering decisions.
One of the most striking findings in this area is that more than 80 percent of children who experience gender dysphoria eventually outgrow it by late adolescence, without the need for medical intervention. Furthermore, “reassignment” procedures have been shown to fail in resolving the deep emotional struggles that individuals face, often exacerbating their mental health issues and leading to tragic outcomes, including suicide. As President Trump pointed out, these interventions “reinforce their confusion and neglect the actual root causes of their mental strife.”
For Catholics, this information is deeply troubling, as it underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of gender dysphoria with compassion and care, rather than resorting to irreversible procedures. We are called to guide these individuals with love, showing them that their value is not found in conforming to societal pressures but in embracing the truth of who they are as children of God.
In the face of this growing cultural shift, it is vital for Catholics to speak out and protect the innocent. As President Trump concluded, “my message to every American child is simple: you are perfect exactly the way God made you.” This message echoes the words of our faith: we are beautifully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and no child should be made to feel that they need to change who they are to fit into a broken world.
The Catholic Church calls us to love and protect our children, and part of this responsibility involves shielding them from harmful ideologies that seek to distort their understanding of their own bodies. Let us remain firm in our commitment to truth and compassion, standing with those who struggle with gender confusion while also opposing the dangerous rise of gender ideology and the irreversible harm it causes.
