Minimum age of 11 set for UK puberty blocker trial
Summary
The UK has set a minimum age of 11 for children to take part in a clinical trial testing puberty-blocking drugs for those questioning their gender. The trial was paused earlier due to safety concerns but is expected to start recruiting children in August, with new safety measures and legal challenges ongoing.Key Facts
- The trial tests puberty blockers, medicines that delay puberty, for children under 16 who are distressed about their gender.
- The UK had banned puberty blockers for people under 18 in 2024 due to safety worries.
- Original plans had no minimum age, but now the trial requires participants to be at least 11 (for birth-registered females) and 12 (for birth-registered males).
- Children must have parental consent and understand the risks and benefits before joining.
- Safety rules include stopping treatment if there are problems like bone weakness or brain issues.
- Researchers will give clearer information on fertility preservation for participants.
- The trial was approved by UK regulators and ethics boards in November 2025 but was paused in February 2026 due to safety concerns raised by regulators.
- Some doctors and campaigners oppose the trial, claiming children can't give full consent to such treatments and questioning the trial's ethics.
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