Puberty Blockers for Under-18s with Gender Dysphoria to be Banned Indefinitely Across the UK
The UK government has announced that it will ban the use of puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria indefinitely, except for use in clinical trials. The decision was made after receiving advice from medical experts, including the Commission on Human Medicines, which stated that there was an “unacceptable safety risk” in the continued prescription of puberty blockers to children.
The ban, which was first introduced through emergency legislation in May, will apply across the UK and will prevent the sale and supply of puberty blockers to under-18s outside of clinical trials. The NHS will continue to provide puberty blockers to young people within clinical trials.
The decision has been criticized by some campaigners, who say that it will worsen the mental health and wellbeing of young trans people. However, the government has defended the move, saying that it is based on the evidence and advice of clinicians, not politics or political pressure.
Puberty blockers are powerful medications that can delay the development of puberty in young people. They are often used to treat gender dysphoria, a condition where an individual experiences distress and discomfort with their biological sex.
The government’s decision is seen as a significant victory for child safeguarding and evidence-based medicine, with some experts arguing that the use of puberty blockers without proper evidence and monitoring is a risk to children’s health.
The government has announced plans to set up a clinical trial into the use of puberty blockers next year, which will help establish a clear evidence base for the use of this medicine. The ban applies to new patients only, with existing patients who are already receiving puberty blockers able to continue their treatment.
The decision has been welcomed by some experts, who say that it is a necessary step to ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people. However, others have criticized the move, saying that it is a blow to the rights and autonomy of trans youth.