Cross-sex hormone treatment for children in the UK
England's National Health Service will provide cross-sex hormones to children as young as 16 despite banning puberty-blocking drugs for children under 18. Critics argue that such treatments cause permanent harm and children cannot give informed consent.
Key Points
- NHS will provide GAH to children as young as 16 despite ban on puberty blockers for under 18s
- Critics argue that hormone treatment causes permanent harm and children cannot give informed consent
Pros
- Availability of gender-affirming hormones for young people with gender dysphoria
Cons
- Potential permanent loss of sexual function
- Lack of clinical evidence on the effects and harms of prescribing GAH treatment below the age of 16
- Concerns about informed consent for children