Across the UK, the prescription of puberty blockers for minors will be permanently banned. A temporary ban came into force in August.
Source: Apollo-News.de, 11 Dec. 2024
In the UK, the sale of puberty blockers to minors is to be banned in future. This was reported by The Guardian. Back in May, the previous UK government ordered an emergency ban on prescriptions by European and private prescribers. Health Minister Wes Streeting announced that the temporary measures are now to become permanent following advice from medical experts.
Northern Ireland first announced on Wednesday that it would ban the supply of puberty blockers to minors. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly told X that the decision was based on medical and scientific advice. She added: “The protection and safety of our young people must be paramount.” According to The Guardian, the Commission for Medicinal Products for Human Use published an independent expert report which shows that the continued prescription of puberty blockers poses an “unacceptable safety risk”.
Health Minister Streeting announced that breaching the new rule would be a criminal offence. An investigation by the Human Medicines Commission found that children had been prescribed puberty blockers after completing an online questionnaire and attending a session via video conferencing, The Independent reported. Of particular concern to the Commission was whether these children and their families had been given sufficient time and information to give their full and informed consent.
Trans people are important to the government, Streeting said. “I know it won’t feel like it because of the decisions I’m making today, but it really matters to me and it matters to this government.” He continued: “I am determined to improve the quality of care and access to healthcare for all transgender people.”
Puberty blockers suppress the release of hormones so that puberty does not occur. Their effect can be irreversible. They are prescribed to adolescents who have a gender identity disorder.
