Britain To End Puberty Blockers For Under-18

Will the United States follow?

In a significant policy shift, NHS England has declared that children will no longer receive routine prescriptions for puberty blockers at gender identity clinics. This move, announced today by NHS bosses, marks a departure from previous practices. Instead, these blockers will be exclusively available through clinical research trials.

The decision has been hailed by ministers as a landmark ruling, with emphasis placed on ensuring that care is grounded in evidence and serves the best interests of the child. This decision comes amid growing concerns about the long-term effects of puberty blockers, which can have lasting impacts on bone health.

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Although the NHS will cease routine prescriptions, it's noted that some medics at non-NHS gender clinics may still prescribe these blockers "off-label" for private use.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has welcomed the move and urged the government to support her amendment, which aims to extend the ban on puberty blocker prescriptions to private clinics.

Puberty blockers, known medically as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, disrupt the physical changes associated with puberty in adolescents questioning their gender. They temporarily halt the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth in girls and facial hair in boys.

The decision follows a comprehensive review led by pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, triggered by a significant increase in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. The interim review highlighted concerns about the clinic's practices and the lack of long-term evidence regarding the outcomes of children and young people prescribed with puberty blockers.

In response to the closure of the Tavistock clinic, two new NHS services are set to open in early April, aiming to provide comprehensive care to children and young people questioning their gender identity.

Health Minister Maria Caulfield emphasized the importance of evidence-based care and child safety in welcoming the decision. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss echoed this sentiment, urging support for her proposed legislation.

The decision comes after a public consultation that received over 4,000 responses from various stakeholders, reflecting the polarized nature of the debate surrounding puberty blockers. John Stewart, national director of specialized commissioning at NHS England, highlighted the diverse viewpoints expressed in the consultation responses.

Efforts to address concerns about puberty blockers continue, with plans for a study into their use by December 2024, though eligibility criteria remain to be determined. These developments occur amidst ongoing discussions about the potential risks and benefits of puberty blockers, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches in providing care for children questioning their gender identity.

America is one of the only countries allowing full-fledged medical experimentation on children for gender “affirmation.”