March 12, 2025

Americans for Medical Progress (AMP) issued statement today to correct misinformation circulating about “transgender mice” in research.

Recent claims about federally funded research on “transgender mice” are inaccurate and misleading. This research is not related to gender identity; instead, they are focused on studying biological and reproductive development. Some have suggested the intended term was “transgenic mice,” but that is also incorrect in this context. Transgenic mice are used across many scientific fields—including reproductive biology—and are organisms that allow researchers to study how changes in their genes drive health and disease in humans and animals. Recent news does not directly target transgenic organisms. Rather, it focuses on studies investigating natural hormonal and developmental processes.

To clarify, these mice are not “transgender” in any human or social context. Research in this field helps scientists understand how sex hormones function and their effect when things go wrong, particularly in diseases and conditions like endometriosis, infertility, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. This work provides hope to countless individuals, whether in growing their families or enabling people to live longer, healthier lives when faced with a cancer diagnosis.

For instance, one of the research grants recently mischaracterized examines how male hormones, known as “androgens,” affect female hormone levels in women using genetic, molecular, and neurological techniques. Funding for this research is crucial and has already provided valuable insights into treatment options for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a common hormone disorder in women of reproductive age that causes severe pain and fertility complications.

To summarize, the research involving these mice is not about gender identity, but instead focuses on understanding important biological processes that affect health, disease, and reproduction. Misrepresenting this work will hinder our ability to protect our children and weaken progress toward improving the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of background or belief.

For more information about the importance of animal research in medicine, visit Americans for Medical Progress.

Download a PDF of the press release here