Cardinal Willem Eijk urges the Vatican to take gender-affirming treatments more seriously at major bioethics conference in Rome

As conversations around gender identity and medical treatments continue to evolve worldwide, Cardinal Willem Eijk is urging the Catholic Church to pay closer attention to the ethical questions raised by gender-affirming therapies.

Speaking during a major bioethics conference in Rome, the Dutch cardinal highlighted how important it is for the Church to engage deeply with these issues.

Addressing Gender Affirming Therapies at the International Bioethics Conference

Cardinal Eijk, who is not only a church leader but also a physician, spoke at the third annual conference hosted by the International Chair of Bioethics Jérôme Lejeune.

This year’s event, held from May 30 to 31, is themed “The Splendor of Truth in Science and Bioethics.”

During an exclusive interview with EWTN Vatican News, the cardinal expressed his concern that discussions around “gender theory” and related medical treatments need more serious reflection within the Church.

The Growing Popularity and Pushback of Gender-Affirming Treatments

He pointed out that gender-affirming therapies have become widely accepted in many countries, especially in recent years.

However, Cardinal Eijk noted a recent shift, particularly in the United States, where debates around these treatments have been met with increased skepticism and resistance.

This shift, he explained, is influencing conversations in Western Europe as well.

Church’s Role in Guiding the Conversation on Sex and Gender

According to Eijk, the Pontifical Academy for Life is in a unique position to lead discussions on how the Church’s teachings relate to sex and gender, especially now that the appeal of gender theory seems to be weakening compared to its peak influence a few years ago.

Questioning Gender Theory’s Place in Society and Education

He recalled how, not long ago, gender theory was aggressively promoted in society, culture, and even within elementary school programs.

But now, he says, many people are beginning to question whether it’s appropriate to introduce young children to these ideas.

“At least,” he said, “the question is being raised: is it right to do so?”