Like many of you, I was shocked when I was made aware of the allegations made by Jamie Reed concerning practices taking place at the Washington University Transgender Center at the St. Louis Children's Hospital. Reed alleges the St. Louis Children's Hospital, a place that prides itself on providing "compassionate, specialized care," has been exploiting unsuspecting children and parents by convincing them to allow themselves to be subject to treatment that can only be described as uncivilized and inhumane.

Reed describes herself as “queer” and “politically to the left of Bernie Sanders,” which I only point out to reveal that Ms. Reed does not come from the same ideological position as myself. She also states that she did not conform to gender norms and indicated that she is married to someone who identifies as a trans man. Again, the reason to highlight this information she has shared about herself is to drive home the point that she has absolutely nothing personal to gain by divulging this information.

In her affidavit, which is a statement made under oath, she claims the Transgender Center actively engages in lying to children and parents regarding their treatment and would regularly prescribe medication without the full informed consent of the parents (Page 2 of the affidavit, point 7). She also stated that children who presented with serious mental health issues were “automatically” given puberty blockers or cross-sex hormones at the Transgender Center (Pg. 4, point 14). She went on to say that doctors at the Transgender Center would prescribe these cross-sex drugs to girls with autism (Pg. 4, point 16).

The affidavit is filled with unthinkable horrors perpetrated on mentally ill children. Still, the worst would be the allegations the Transgender Center regularly referred underage children for transgender surgery. Ms. Reed also stated that at least one such gender transition surgery was performed on a minor at the St. Louis Children’s hospital. I could go on, but I will instead encourage you to read the entire affidavit for yourself here.

In light of these allegations, I believe the Missouri Legislature must create a special investigative committee to investigate these allegations against the Washington University Transgender Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. In the past, such committees were formed to investigate the extra-marital affairs of governors. While no one is debating the importance of ensuring we have ethical leaders, I would like to think that we can all agree that children’s health is a subject worthy of our time and energy.

In my opinion, the Missouri Legislature should not rest until we know the full scope of the criminal behavior at the Washington University Transgender Center of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, nor should we stop until every child mutilator is brought to justice.

If you have any ideas, questions and concern, please feel free to contact me at the State Capitol: (573) 751-2108, rick.brattin@senate.mo.gov or by writing to Sen. Rick Brattin, Missouri State Capitol, Room 221, Jefferson City, MO 65101.

God bless and thank you for the opportunity to work for you in the Missouri Senate.