The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) announced Tuesday, March 12, that puberty blockers will no longer be prescribed to children under 18, except within regulated clinical trials. Puberty blockers are utilized to delay the onset of puberty.
According to the agency, these blockers will now only be accessible as part of research trials after a review cited insufficient evidence regarding their safety and effectiveness.
The NHS initiated an independent review of gender identity treatments for minors in 2020 in response to a “significant increase” in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service, which is set to close at the end of March.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield welcomed the decision, emphasizing the safety of children.
Simultaneously, an ongoing consultation on gender services has received over 4,000 responses, underscoring a divided public opinion.
This development is the latest in the contentious treatment, which has also triggered protests in the United States over gender-affirming care in children.
England’s NHS aims to commence a study on the use of puberty blockers by December 2024.
According to BBC, fewer than 100 young people in England currently receive these blockers through the NHS, and their treatment will continue.
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