Scotland halts use of puberty-blocking medicines on minors

Scotland’s National Health Service stops new prescriptions of hormone treatments and puberty blockers for minors, aligning with recent findings from England’s youth gender services review

The National Health Service (NHS) of Scotland has suspended the distribution of puberty blockers and other hormone treatments for minors. This decision is based on a thorough evaluation of youth gender services recently published in England. England is the sixth European country to enforce limitations on such procedures. 

Under the supervision of pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, NHS England carried out a comprehensive four-year review. Cass found that the evidence supporting the advantages of gender treatments for young people was “relatively weak.” Additionally, immediate concerns regarding potential long-term risks still need to be addressed. The research revealed that the drugs used by transgender minors cause more unexpected and immeasurable harm in the future.

NHS England has recently discontinued the administration of puberty blockers to children who are not participating in clinical trials, based on recommendations from Dr. Cass. Hormone therapies, such as estrogen and testosterone, remain accessible in the U.K. for individuals aged 16 and above.

Scotland’s recent reforms extend to suspending the prescribing of puberty blockers and limiting hormone treatments until individuals reach the age of 18. The modifications will not impact patients receiving these medications from the nation’s Youth Gender Service.

Transgender advocacy groups in Scotland criticized the changes, saying the decision was due to growing opposition to transgender people.

Officials welcome changes

Senior health officials in Scotland have welcomed the recommendations of Dr. Cass’ review, highlighting an increasingly polarizing debate over trans rights that is jeopardizing medical care for young people.

“We agree with Dr. Hilary Cass when she highlights that ‘increasingly toxic, ideological and polarized public debate’ does nothing to serve the young people accessing this care. They are the ones who should be at the center of our thoughts when we discuss this issue.”  Neil Gray, the Scottish health secretary, said.

States avoid puberty blockers

In response to the increasing demand for gender treatments among teenagers, health authorities in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the U.K. have revised their national health guidelines to restrict medical interventions for adolescents experiencing gender distress, also referred to as dysphoria.

Source: Newsroom