Streeting seeks to reassure trans youth as puberty blockers for under 18s banned indefinitely

Puberty blockers prescribed for children under the age of 18 have been banned indefinitely by the government following advice from experts.

The decision came after the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) concluded puberty blockers for people with gender dysphoria presented “an unacceptable safety risk for children and young people under 18 years without significant additional safeguards”.

However, Health Secretary, Wes Streeting sought to reassure trans people as he told the the House of Commons said he is "determined" to improve healthcare for trans people.

"I am determined to improve the quality of care and access to healthcare for all trans people.”

Puberty blockers have been banned on the NHS, outside clinical trials since March, an order preventing the prescription of the medication from European or private prescribers since May had only been temporary.

NHS England said the decision “closes a loophole that posed a risk to the safety of children and young people” through private provision.

The ban only applies to new patients but NHS and private patients who have already received these medicines for gender dysphoria can continue to have access to the medication.

Puberty blockers will also still be available in cases of young people experiencing early puberty, with Mr Streeting saying they are “safe and proven for use” in this way.

The Cass Review into children’s gender care found the quality of studies into the affect of these medications being given to young people with gender dysphoria was "poor".

Dr Hilary Cass, now Baroness Cass, welcomed the Government’s announcement, describing puberty blockers as “powerful drugs with unproven benefits and significant risks”.

However, Green MP Sian Berry said she was “extremely worried and fearful” about the decision, describing it as “discriminatory”, while Labour’s Alex Sobel suggested it was “an attack on trans young people”.

Despite opposition, plans remain in place to set up a clinical trial into the use of puberty blockers next year, with an aim to recruit the first patients by spring.

Mr Streeting said "the decisions we take will always be based on the evidence and advice of clinicians, not politics or political pressure" and that the trial will help to “establish a clear evidence base for the use of this medicine”.

James Palmer, NHS medical director for specialised services, welcomed the ban but recognised it “will be a difficult time for young people and their families who are affected”.

Mr Streeting revealed the latest waiting lists for children’s gender care have risen to more than 6,200, having stood at just over 5,700 at the end of May.

He said: “As in common with all NHS waiting lists, I want to see those fall.”

A third NHS children’s gender clinic for patients in England and Wales opened in Bristol in November, following in the footsteps of two hubs, in London and Liverpool in April.

In total, up to eight new NHS children’s gender clinics are due to open by 2026, replacing the Gender Identity Development Service clinics, led by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, which closed in March.

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