Children and young people in England will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, according to the country’s National Health Service.Under a new policy of England's National Health Service, puberty blockers will only be available to people under 18 as part of research studies. Children in England will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, according to the country's National Health Service .
Under the new policy, puberty blockers for those under 18 will only be available as part of research studies. One such study is slated to begin by the end of 2024.According to a published report by BBC News, fewer than 100 young people in England are currently prescribed puberty blockers by the NHS. The report said they will all able to continue their treatment.The blockers have become a contentious issue in Canada, the U.S.
In Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith recently announced her government plans to introduce similar policies. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has said he does not support trans kids under 18 taking puberty blockers.In response to the new NHS policy, U.K. Health Minister Maria Caulfield said the government welcomed the "landmark decision" by the health service, according to the BBC.
"Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence, expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child," Caulfield said.In a posting on Facebook, Mermaids — a U.K. charity that supports trans, non-binary and gender diverse young people — called the announcement "deeply disappointing" and a further restriction of support offered to trans children and young people through the NHS.
"There were virtually no first appointments offered in 2023, with ever-growing waiting lists of over five years," the group said.A vital dose of the week's news in health and medicine, from CBC Health. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.