Summary
Campaigners Keira Bell and James Esses have sent legal letters to challenge a clinical trial on puberty blockers for gender-questioning children in the UK. They argue the trial is unethical and could harm children, while the government and researchers believe it will provide important evidence on the drugs' safety and effects. The study, approved to start in January, will assess the impact of these drugs on 220 children under 16 in NHS gender clinics.
Key Facts
- A planned clinical trial in the UK will study the effects of puberty blockers on children under 16.
- Puberty blockers are drugs that delay or prevent the onset of puberty.
- The trial, approved by the UK's medicines regulator, will involve about 220 children in NHS gender clinics.
- Campaigners Keira Bell and James Esses oppose the trial, arguing it could harm children and lacks sufficient ethical standards.
- The government says the trial will fill gaps in evidence about the drugs' risks and benefits.
- Keira Bell previously took legal action against the use of puberty blockers after regretting her treatment as a teenager.
- A major review raised concerns about the safety of these drugs for under-18s, recommending further research.
- The trial aims to monitor the physical and emotional effects on participants, including bone density and brain development.
