Puberty blockers to be banned indefinitely for under-18s across UK

Labour has announced an indefinite ban on the use of puberty blockers for individuals under 18 with gender dysphoria in the UK, allowing them only in clinical trials. Health Secretary Wes Streeting declared that after reviewing medical experts’ advice, the emergency measures prohibiting the sale and distribution of puberty blockers would be made permanent, according to ‘The Guardian’.

The Department of Health and Social Care revealed that the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) had issued independent expert advice, stating that “there is currently an unacceptable safety risk in the continued prescription of puberty blockers to children.” Streeting explained that the commission recommended the indefinite restrictions to prioritise the safety of children and young people.

Previously, in March, the NHS announced that puberty blockers would no longer be prescribed at gender identity clinics. The then Conservative government supported this move, emphasising it would ensure care is evidence-based and in the “best interests of the child.” In May, the government enacted a ban through emergency legislation, preventing prescriptions from European or private providers and limiting NHS prescriptions to clinical trials.

A legal challenge by campaigners concerned about the safety and welfare of young trans people in the UK was dismissed in July when the high court upheld the ban. Dr. Hilary Cass, author of the Cass review on children's gender care, characterised puberty blockers as “powerful drugs with unproven benefits and significant risks.” She endorsed that they be prescribed only after a multidisciplinary assessment and within a research protocol and backed the government's decision to maintain restrictions outside the NHS.

In the Commons, Streeting announced the indefinite ban, emphasising his commitment to improving healthcare for trans people. Although healthcare is a devolved matter, the ban is UK-wide after consultations with the Scottish and Welsh governments and agreement with the Northern Ireland government.

Streeting admitted the decision would face opposition but aimed to reassure young trans individuals. Having engaged with them since he took office in July, he acknowledged their concerns and experiences. Drawing from his own experience of coming out as gay, he shared: “I know it's not easy being a trans kid in our country today. The trans community is disproportionately affected by mental ill health, self-harm, and suicide rates. While today's decisions might not seem supportive, I genuinely care, as does the government, and am determined to enhance healthcare for all trans people.”

He emphasised that decisions are based on clinical evidence and advice, not political influences. NHS England commented that the indefinite ban “closes a loophole that posed a safety risk to children and young people” regarding private provision. The ban applies only to new patients, with existing NHS and private patients still able to access their medications. Plans are underway to launch a clinical trial for puberty blockers next year, aiming to recruit initial participants by spring. Streeting stated this study would help “establish a clear evidence base for the use of this medicine.”

Lauren Stoner, CEO of the trans rights charity Mermaids, expressed “deep disappointment” over the indefinite ban, criticising the government for disregarding trans youth voices, who opposed restricting private prescriptions for puberty blockers during consultations. Lara Brown, a senior research fellow at the Policy Exchange thinktank, described the ban as a “victory” for child safeguarding and evidence-based medicine. She noted that more work remains to implement the recommendations of the Cass Review and to counteract the influence of gender ideology in institutions, commending Wes Streeting for this “brave and important call.”