Ban on Puberty Blockers for Under-18s with Gender Dysphoria

SOURCE www.theguardian.com
Puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria will be banned indefinitely across the UK except for use in clinical trials, following expert advice and recommendations to ensure the safety of children and young people.

Key Points

  • Expert advice highlights safety risks in the continued prescription of puberty blockers to children
  • Indefinite ban applies to new patients only, with existing patients continuing to have access
  • Plans to set up a clinical trial into the use of puberty blockers next year to establish clear evidence base

Pros

  • Ensures the safety of children and young people by restricting the use of puberty blockers
  • Supports evidence-based medicine and multi-disciplinary assessment for prescribing puberty blockers

Cons

  • Deep disappointment expressed by trans rights charity and concerns about disregarding the voices of trans youth