Lack of action over puberty blockers puts kids at risk, say campaigners

Campaigners warn almost 1,400 Scottish children could be harmed if there is no move to push the halt button on administering puberty blockers.

Last week England made the decision to stop prescribing the treatment amid deepening concerns over long-term harm.

But Scotland’s lack of action, despite health and government officials meeting last year with the author of the report which led to puberty blockers being halted in England, could leave thousands of children and families grappling with the lifelong effects of the treatment.

NHS England acted after a review by top paediatrician Dr Hilary Cass found major concern over the rise in children seeking support for gender dysphoria amid growing fears over the long-term health and futures of the increasing numbers wishing to take the powerful treatment, along with an increasing number of those now wanting to de-transition.

Dr Cass found England’s provider the Tavistock service in London was unsustainable and that there had been no routine and consistent data collection in order to accurately track outcomes, as well as a lack of consensus and open discussion about the appropriate clinical response.

Trina Budge, of campaign group For Women Scotland, is calling for Scotland’s Sandyford Clinic to stop prescribing puberty blockers “until there is proper medical evidence and guidance over harmful long-term effects”.

She said: “There is no supporting medical evidence which proves puberty blockers are a good thing.

“In fact it is impossible to ‘block’ puberty, and children being given these drugs won’t have their brains developing as they should.

“There are also grave concerns over other long-term medical effects.

“Why has there not been a robust examination of medical evidence?

“Our fear is that the increasing use of puberty blockers is being driven by the trans lobby rather than sound medical evidence, and the lifelong harm that could come to so many children is horrifying.”

Scottish Conservative MSP Rachael Hamilton said: “Prescription should have been paused after Dr Cass’ interim review, and the significant concerns about young people’s wellbeing.”

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde which shares services at the Sandyford clinic with other health boards across Scotland, said: “We are working closely with the Scottish Government to review policy in light of NHS England’s decision.”

The Scottish Government said NHS England’s “position” is being “closely considered.”

Officials met with Dr Cass in December, along with officials from health boards and Sandyford’s clinical psychologist Dr Alison Poupart.

In April 2022, Sandyford had 263 young patients, 20 under age 11, and a parliamentary committee was told by NHS GGC there were a further 1,086 waiting for a first appointment.