The landmark Cass review into the care of young people questioning their gender has had significant implications for the use of puberty blockers in England, Wales, and Scotland. Dr. Hilary Cass, the author of the report, highlighted the lack of evidence surrounding the benefits and risks associated with these drugs, leading to a ban on their use for under-18s with gender dysphoria.
Prior to the publication of the review, NHS England and NHS Scotland had already halted the routine prescription of puberty blockers in March and April, respectively. The outgoing Conservative government also issued an emergency order banning private prescriptions of the drug. This ban was challenged in court by a transgender advocacy group but was ultimately upheld as lawful.
Dr. Cass recommended that puberty blockers should only be prescribed as part of an authorized clinical trial, which is not expected to start recruiting participants until next year. In the meantime, the waiting list for children’s gender care is growing, with over 5,700 under-18s waiting an average of 100 weeks for a first appointment in England and Wales.
The closure of the heavily criticized Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at London’s Tavistock and Portman NHS trust has further exacerbated the situation. Two new specialist hubs have been launched, with more expected to open in the future.
The impact of these changes on children and families is profound. One young girl, Hannah, had been recommended for puberty blockers by her doctor but was ultimately denied access due to the ban. Her mother expressed concerns about the vulnerability of her daughter and the lack of available care options.
Another young trans individual, Grin, criticized the ban as a performative gesture, highlighting the existing challenges in accessing puberty blockers even before the ban was implemented. He emphasized the importance of timely access to these medications for young people struggling with their gender identity.
Coven, an 18-year-old trans girl, shared her experience of being on the NHS waiting list for gender services since the age of 13. Despite her efforts to seek private healthcare, the financial barriers made it impossible for her to access the care she needed. She expressed frustration with the lack of available healthcare options for young trans individuals.
Paula, the mother of a trans son named Josh, discussed their family’s journey navigating the healthcare system. Josh ultimately took matters into his own hands and obtained testosterone online without his parents‘ knowledge. Paula highlighted the complexities of decision-making around puberty blockers and the challenges of accessing appropriate care for gender-questioning young people.
Overall, the ban on puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria has had far-reaching consequences for young individuals and their families. The need for accessible and timely healthcare options for this vulnerable population remains a pressing issue that requires attention and action from policymakers and healthcare providers.