What's happened
NHS England has announced that children will no longer be routinely prescribed puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, following an independent review citing insufficient evidence for their safety and effectiveness. The decision comes amidst a global debate on gender-affirming care for transgender youths.
Why it matters
The decision by NHS England to restrict the prescription of puberty blockers for children has sparked debate and concern among transgender advocates and health professionals. It reflects a broader trend of tightening access to transgender healthcare for minors in various U.S. states and Europe, despite endorsements of gender-affirming care by leading health organizations.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports on the impact of the decision on transgender individuals, highlighting personal stories like that of Cameron Whitley, a transgender man who faced challenges accessing hormone therapy. Metro criticizes the NHS England decision, arguing that it undermines the progress made in transgender healthcare. The Scotsman covers the Scottish Government's response to the decision, indicating ongoing discussions with NHS England on the use of puberty blockers.
How we got here
The decision by NHS England follows an independent review that raised concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of puberty blockers for children. The review was prompted by a significant increase in referrals to gender identity clinics, leading to a reevaluation of current practices and policies.
Common question
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The National Health Service is the publicly funded healthcare system in England, and one of the four National Health Service systems in the United Kingdom.
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Hilary Dawn Cass OBE is a British medical doctor and a consultant in paediatric disability at St Thomas' Hospital, London. She was the President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health from 2012 to 2015.