England bans puberty blockers in children in “historic decision” due to their irreversible effects on health

The medical discussion sparked intense social debate as over 5,000 children were waiting on the waiting list for the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) of the Tavistock Foundation, which has been the subject of controversy.

England bans puberty blockers in children in “historic decision” due to their irreversible effects on health

Cass’s report pointed out that lack of quality control and overwhelmed staff at the clinics were exposing children to significant risk.

“Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is evidence-based, based on clinical expert opinion, and in the best interest of the child,” said Maria Caulfield, UK Health Minister, who welcomed the decision by national health authorities.

‘Detransitioners’ like Keira Bell in the UK have denounced medical procedures that pressure not yet mature children to make irreversible treatment decisions about their bodies.

In July 2022, the National Health Service decided to close Tavistock’s gender clinic in London, leading hundreds of families to prepare to sue the foundation for medical negligence.

Puberty suppressant hormones will no longer be available for those under 18 in England, according to the NHS. Doctors will no longer be able to routinely prescribe puberty blockers except in research trials or exceptional circumstances. However, underage patients already undergoing treatment will be allowed to continue.

UK Health Minister Maria Caulfield applauded the NHS decision, emphasizing that children’s safety and well-being are paramount.

The controversy over puberty blockers intensified following Dr. Cass’s report, which revealed gaps in evidence and called for changes in medical approaches to transgender minors.

In 2021, the NHS stated that “little is known about the long-term side effects of hormone or puberty blockers in children” and “whether hormone blockers affect the brain development of adolescents or the bone development of children” is also unknown.

Other European countries like Sweden and Norway have adjusted their policies regarding gender affirmation treatments after observing an increase in treatment requests from minors. The Netherlands is also closely examining transgender practices, with lawmakers urging investigation into the physical and mental health effects of medications administered to children, especially following the more cautious approach adopted by other European countries.

Facebook Comments

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR