UK Bans Puberty Blockers for Under-18s With Gender Dysphoria
- Health Secretary raises concerns over informed consent
- Puberty blockers have been facing scrutiny in Europe, US too
The UK decision comes as the US Supreme Court considers the constitutionality of state laws that ban such treatments for minors.
Photographer: Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The UK government will indefinitely ban prescriptions of puberty blockers for under-18s in cases of gender dysphoria, making it the latest country in Europe to enact restrictions on gender-affirming care for adolescents.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the House of Commons on Wednesday that he made the decision after considering recommendations by the Commission on Human Medicines, which advises ministers on the safety of medical products. A review by Dr. Hilary Cass published in April found that the long-term benefits for treating gender-related distress were unproven.