White House directs NIH to study “regret” following genital mutilation

04/08/2025 / By Laura Harris

The White House directed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize studies on “regret” and “detransition” following genital mutilation while cutting broader transgender health research funding.
An email from then-acting NIH Director Matthew Memoli framed hormonal and surgical interventions as “chemical and surgical mutilation,” signaling alignment with conservative critiques of gender medicine.
The NIH must produce findings within six months, redirecting funds to prioritize external studies on detransition and modifying existing research contracts.
Experts argue that the administration is cherry-picking data to fit an anti-trans narrative, despite studies showing less than one percent regret rate for gender-affirming surgeries compared to 14.4 percent for general surgeries.
High-profile cases like Chris Beck (a former Navy SEAL) and Chloe Cole (a teenage detransitioner) fuel demands for research on post-transition regret, though such cases remain statistically rare.

The White House has instructed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to prioritize studying “regret” and “detransition” in individuals who have undergone genital mutilation, while significantly cutting funding for broader transgender health research.

In an email to institute directors, then-acting NIH Director Matthew Memoli stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had been directed to fund specific research on the “chemical and surgical mutilation” of children and adults, a reference to hormone therapy and gender-affirming surgeries.

“NIH is prioritizing research that serves the best interests of public health, not ideological agendas, and will continue to support studies that provide clear, objective data – particularly regarding the long-term effects of gender transitions,” an HHS spokesperson said.

The shift in research priorities follows Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order, which barred federal agencies from recognizing gender identities differing from the sex assigned at birth. Shortly after, multiple NIH grants studying transgender health were canceled. Now, the agency is explicitly prioritizing studies on regret and detransition – areas commonly emphasized by conservative critics of gender-affirming care. (Related: Trump signs executive orders reversing transgender protections and DEI programs.)

Memoli’s email outlined key research areas, such as “regret and detransition” following social transition (such as name or pronoun changes) and medical interventions and long-term outcomes of children who have undergone social or medical transition.

Moreover, NIH officials revealed that they must produce tangible findings within six months. Proposals under consideration include creating new funding opportunities for external researchers focused on detransition and modifying existing contracts with research organizations to redirect efforts.

Detransition stories highlight need for further “regret” and “detransition” research

The Daily Mail reported that some individuals have spoken out against genital mutilation, sharing their experiences of later wishing they had not undergone medical interventions.

For instance, retired Navy SEAL Chris Beck, who previously lived as transgender woman Kristin Beck, called his transition “the worst mistake” of his life, describing how he received hormones after only a brief consultation. After enduring facial feminization surgery, Beck detransitioned and now warns young people about making similar decisions.

Similarly, Chloe Cole, who detransitioned at 16, compared genital mutilation to “experimentation on children,” stating she was misled by medical professionals and influenced by social media rather than genuine dysphoria. Cole said irreversible procedures, including a mastectomy, left her with lasting physical and emotional harm.

Both individuals argued for greater caution in genital mutilation, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences. These cases, which are not isolated, are the reasons the NIH should conduct research on “regret” and “detransition” in individuals who have undergone genital mutilation.

Watch this clip of President Donald Trump signing his new executive order that bans transgender athletes from women’s and girls’ sports.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.