American College of Pediatricians Opposed to American Academy of Pediatrics Report

6/16/2004

From: Bose Ravenel of the American College of Pediatricians, 336-802-2100 or mail@acpeds.org, Web site: http://www.acpeds.org

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn., June 16 -- The following is a statement by the American College of Pediatricians, regarding its opposition to a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Sexual Orientation and Adolescents":

The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) takes strong exception to the current clinical report: "Sexual Orientation and Adolescents" (Pediatrics, June 2004) by Barbara L. Frankowski, MD, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This report is written in a politically correct fashion and its words hide the reality of the problem.

This being so, we would do a disservice to the health and well being of children and their families if we failed to respond. It is indeed a critical time for both science and society, with this report as well as other proposals being presented in an attempt to inappropriately redefine family and its constituent parts.

The report explicitly endorses referring families to Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). PFLAG's mission and values statements as well as articles posted on its Web site reveal its prototypical pro-homosexual bias, and are written to indict contrary views as "homophobic". This action is scientifically improper and demonstrates an anti-heterosexual viewpoint.

Among the position statements listed by PFLAG are those promoting same-gender "marriage" and others opposing reparative therapy for individuals wishing to leave homosexuality. In endorsing PFLAG as an appropriate resource, the AAP implies its agreement with the positions held by PFLAG.

Same-gender "marriage" is clearly a highly controversial cultural issue and represents a radical social experiment lacking unbiased research supporting its benefits or even its safety for both individuals and society as a whole.

Recently published and increasingly available research on the development of the adolescent brain strongly suggests that the decision to declare for homosexuality is likely poorly reasoned and that change is therefore, more than possible. Indeed there are outstanding resources available to families on the subject of sexual orientation which are ignored by pro-homosexual organizations and which will inevitably be classified by them as unworthy to be recommended.

Finally, the report recommends that pediatricians "remind parents and adolescents that gay and lesbian individuals can be successful parents themselves." This statement again takes a position that represents social experimentation and ignores research casting doubt upon this assertion (see ACPeds Position Statement at http://www.ACPeds.org ).

Clearly, we are in a culture war for the life and health of families and their children. Who will join with us? Who will also ask the fundamental question: What about the children? What is best for them?

The American College of Pediatricians' mission is "to enable all children to reach their optimal, physical and emotional health and well-being". We promote "a society where all children from the moment of their conception are valued unselfishly". The College further notes," that children are the future of our nation and society. As such, they deserve to be reared in the best possible family environment and supported by physicians committed to ensuring their optimal health and well-being."