WASHINGTON – “Helping young people accept their bodies and their vocation as women and men is the true path of freedom and happiness,” said Bishop Robert Barron, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth. Bishop Barron offered the following statement in response to the Executive Order signed by President Trump, “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation”:

 

“I welcome the President’s Executive Order prohibiting the promotion and federal funding of procedures that, based on a false understanding of human nature, attempt to change a child’s sex. So many young people who have been victims of this ideological crusade have profound regrets over its life-altering consequences, such as infertility and lifelong dependence on costly hormone therapies that have significant side effects. It is unacceptable that our children are encouraged to undergo destructive medical interventions instead of receiving access to authentic and bodily-unitive care.

 

“I also applaud the Executive Order’s aim to identify and develop research-based therapies to aid young people struggling with gender dysphoria. These individuals are loved by God and possess the same inherent dignity that all persons do. They deserve care that heals rather than harms.

 

“As Pope Francis affirms (Dignitas Infinita, 60), we are all called to accept the gift of our bodies created in God’s image and likeness as male and female. Sexual difference is profoundly beautiful and the basis for the union of spouses whose love can bear fruit in the inestimable gift of a human life.

 

“Helping young people accept their bodies and their vocation as women and men is the true path of freedom and happiness.”