NHS England: Kids to Get Puberty Blockers Only in Clinical Trials
OAN’s Abril Elfi
4:57 PM – Tuesday, March 12, 2024
England’s National Health Service (NHS) has announced a significant change in policy regarding puberty blockers for children.
Children will now only have access to puberty blockers through clinical research trials.
Puberty blockers are medications that temporarily pause the physical changes of puberty.
The NHS has stated that less than 100 teenagers currently use puberty blockers in the country, and they will be allowed to continue their treatment.
This decision was made following a public consultation and an independent evaluation of gender identity services for children under 18.
The review, led by Dr. Hilary Cass, was prompted by a significant increase in referrals to gender identity clinics.
In response to the closure of a major center, two new NHS services will be launched in April.
Dr. Cass has recommended the establishment of regional services to provide better support for young people.
These clinics will offer expertise in mental health, pediatrics, and neurodiversity, ensuring a holistic approach to care.
Approximately 250 patients will be transferred to the new clinics, and there are currently 5,000 children on the waiting list for referral.
Dr. Cass also highlighted the need for long-term research on the effects of puberty blockers in children.
“We have always been clear that children’s safety and well-being is paramount, so we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS,” Health Minister Maria Caulfield said. “Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence, expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child.”
“Given that the debate is often very polarized, so too were the responses to the consultation,” John Stewart, national director of specialized commissioning at NHS England, told the press. “Many people said the policy didn’t go far enough in terms of still allowing potential access [to puberty blockers] through research, and others saying clearly they disagreed fundamentally and that these should be routinely available to everyone who believes they need it.”
“This is just the first step in building a regional model,” he added. “Over the next year to two years, our aim is to establish between seven and eight specialist centers, including the north and the south hubs.”
NHS England plans to conduct a study on the use of puberty blockers by December 2024.
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What concerns have been raised regarding the long-term effects of puberty blockers on bone density and fertility?
Nters across the country, each serving between 30 and 40 young people.”
While this decision has been praised by some, it has also sparked controversy and debate. Critics argue that access to puberty blockers should be readily available to all children who believe they need it, while others argue that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of these medications.
Puberty blockers have been a topic of discussion and concern in recent years, particularly in relation to transgender and gender non-conforming youth. Proponents argue that these medications can provide essential support and prevent distress for those who are experiencing gender dysphoria. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential long-term effects, particularly on bone density and fertility.
The decision by the NHS to limit access to puberty blockers through clinical research trials reflects an effort to strike a balance between ensuring the well-being and safety of children while also acknowledging the need for further research and understanding.
It is important to note that puberty blockers are not the only option available for young people struggling with gender identity issues. Counseling, support groups, and other forms of mental health support are also crucial in providing care and assistance.
As the debate continues, the NHS’s decision serves as a starting point for further discussions and considerations. It highlights the importance of evidence-based healthcare, the need for research, and the complexity of balancing the well-being and autonomy of young people.
Ultimately, the goal should be to provide comprehensive and inclusive care for all individuals, ensuring that their physical and mental health needs are met. The decision by the NHS to limit access to puberty blockers through clinical research trials is an important step in that direction, but further research and discussions are necessary to fully understand and address the needs of transgender and gender non-conforming youth.
As society continues to evolve and progress, it is crucial that healthcare policies and practices also adapt to meet the needs of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
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