UK to Ban Puberty Blockers for Under 18s Indefinitely

Facts

• The UK's ban on private prescriptions of puberty blockers to those under the age of 18 has been extended indefinitely, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced on Wednesday.^[1]
• It comes after a review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) — a body of independent experts that advises the UK government on the efficacy and safety of medicines — found that there was an "unsafe prescribing environment" in the way drugs were being accessed by adolescents.^[2]
• The report said it saw instances of poor advertising and that patients were able to access the drugs by filling an online form and having one call with a prescriber outside of the UK, stating that this constituted unsafe healthcare practices.^[2]
• In announcing the ban — which doesn't apply to those already taking these medicines — Streeting said: "We need to act with caution and care when it comes to this vulnerable group of young people, and follow the expert advice."^[1][3]
• Streeting also made reference to an earlier review conducted by Dr. Hilary Cass that saw the previous Conservative-led government restrict the public prescription of puberty blockers to clinical trials, stating that that review "raised safety concerns."^[1][3]
• Nonetheless, Streeting said he was determined to improve the quality of care and access to healthcare for trans people, adding that the government was working with NHS England to open new gender identity services and that a new clinical trial into the use of puberty blockers would be held next year.^[1][3]

Sources: ^[1]GOV.UK, ^[2]Health Media and ^[3]The Guardian.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by GOV.UK. This decision was reached after independent experts found that there were unacceptable risks in the way young people are accessing these treatments. Those experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence are often vulnerable so it is important that the advice of experts is followed while work to improve access to healthcare proceeds.
• Left narrative, as provided by Huffington Post. A number of experts and stakeholders have taken issue with the methodology of the review relied upon by the government to ban adolescents from accessing these essential treatments. This is a discriminatory policy that will harm the lives of countless young trans people.
• Right narrative, as provided by The Spectator (UK). Banning puberty blockers is a crucial step toward protecting the safety of children. With legitimate concerns regarding their side effects, Streeting has sensibly prioritized the well-being of minors over ideological agendas. This is an essential move.