The UK health system will no longer give children hormone blockers as part of a major new policy that departs from widespread practice in the US.
This was announced by the National Health Service for England. BBC and other news outlets reported that after the interim policy and a review that found “there is insufficient evidence to support its safety or clinical effectiveness as a routinely available treatment,” the new policy will be made permanent. It was reported that it had become a thing.
The new policy means hormone blockers will not be routinely used for children who identify as transgender, but only in clinical research trials.
Hormone blockers suspend the effects of puberty in children. Critics say they can cause long-term health problems, including infertility, for minors who use them.
The British government praised the news.
Health Secretary Maria Caulfield said: “We have always been clear that the safety and welfare of children is our top priority and we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS.” She said: “Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence and expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child.”
The debate over puberty blockers has divided US states. For example, the governor of Alabama signed a bill banning the use of drugs by minors.
“[T]”Although the full effects of puberty blockers on brain development and cognition are still unknown, reasons for concern now exist,” the new law’s findings state.
Children are not mature enough to make such life-altering decisions, the legislative findings argue.
“Minors, and in many cases their parents, should understand and be fully aware of the risks and life consequences, including permanent infertility, that result from the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures. ”, the study says.
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Michael Faust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His story was published in Baptist Press. Christianity Today, Christian Poecent, of leaf chronicle, of toronto star and of knoxville news sentinel.
