Reports or statements from NHS England or related healthcare watchdogs

UK Government Announces Indefinite Ban on Puberty Blockers for Under-18s

Dec 11, 2024, 02:44 PM

The UK government has announced an indefinite ban on the prescription of puberty blockers for children under 18 with gender dysphoria, effective from January 1, 2025. This decision follows a temporary ban introduced in May 2024, which was based on the findings of the Cass Review that highlighted insufficient evidence regarding the safety of these medications. Health Secretary Wes Streeting made the announcement, stating that the ban would apply to all prescriptions outside of clinical trials. The move aims to prevent what experts have described as an 'unacceptable safety risk' to minors. The government is also working with NHS England to provide holistic support for patients and their families, while the ban extends to private UK-registered prescribers as well.