The UK government has announced an indefinite ban on the use of puberty blockers for individuals under the age of 18 with gender dysphoria following medical advice from experts.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care of the United Kingdom, said the decision comes after independent medical experts found there was "currently an unacceptable safety risk in the continued prescription of puberty blockers to children."
The ban will now prevent the sale and use of puberty blockers to treat children under 18 with gender dysphoria. This will provide healthcare providers more time and room to consider other options, including gender reassignment, per ABC News.
When Will the Ban Be Lifted?
Streeting said the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) recommended an indefinite ban on puberty blockers until the medication is proven safe for children and young people. However, the government will revisit the decision in 2027.
The ban will apply across the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. Puberty blockers would no longer be given to new patients. However, those already receiving the medication are exempted from the ban.
Furthermore, the ban does not apply to the use of puberty blockers in clinical studies or in the medical treatment of children with precocious puberty, a condition where puberty starts abnormally early. Typically, precocious puberty happens before the age of 8 in girls and age 9 in boys.
Streeting also noted that there are currently plans to set up a clinical trial into the use of puberty blocked in 2025. The first patients for the trial are expected to be recruited by spring. The trial will determine a clear evidence base for the use of puberty blockers.
In addition, the UK government said it will roll out gender services providers in the coming years, beginning with a new one in the East of England. The service will offer "enhanced mental health support" for children under 18.
Potential Impact of the Ban
While the government argues this decision is based on safety concerns, some researchers have raised alarms about the potential negative effects of the ban. A survey conducted after the initial temporary ban reported declining mental health, increased depression, social isolation, anxiety, stress, self-harm, and suicide ideation among affected young people.
