U.K. Permanently Prohibits Puberty Blockers for Minors

Following medical advice regarding the risks of prescribing puberty blockers to adolescents with gender dysphoria, the U.K. has implemented an indefinite ban, allowing usage only in clinical trials. The government aims to establish a solid evidence base through upcoming research.

Britain has made the decision to permanently ban the use of puberty blockers for individuals under the age of 18 suffering from gender dysphoria, with exceptions made only for clinical trials, the government announced on Wednesday. This action formalizes previous temporary restrictions that were established earlier this year.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting explained that the decision was prompted by expert medical advice indicating significant safety risks associated with the prescribing of puberty blockers without further comprehensive research into their long-term effects. “We must exercise caution and care with this vulnerable demographic and follow the guidance from experts,” Streeting remarked in a statement. Looking ahead, he added that a clinical trial focusing on the use of puberty blockers is scheduled to commence next year to establish a robust evidence base.

This ban will take effect across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and follows measures instituted by the former Conservative government to limit the use of these medications. The National Health Service had already ceased the regular prescription of puberty blockers to anyone under 18 who is diagnosed with gender dysphoria after a critical review conducted by renowned pediatrician Hilary Cass. Her report, released in April, highlighted that gender medicine is built on “unstable foundations” concerning the evidence supporting certain medical interventions, including the administration of hormones intended to delay puberty or alter physical traits.