Summarised by Centrist
NHS England has announced that puberty blockers will no longer be prescribed for the treatment of gender dysphoria in children, stating safety concerns and insufficient evidence of clinical effectiveness. This decision follows a public consultation and a review of available evidence by the UK government.
Puberty blockers, which halt physical changes during puberty, will now only be available to children taking part in clinical trials. The move is supported by the government as being in the best interests of children. Advocates of the ban view the decision as a return to evidence-based policymaking.
Maya Forstater, of the advocacy group Sex Matters, said:
“The significance of NHS England’s statement that there is not enough evidence to support the safety or clinical effectiveness of puberty blockers cannot be overstated, given the success that activist lobby groups have had in portraying them as a harmless and reversible treatment.”
