Summary
Health Secretary Wes Streeting decided to continue a clinical trial on puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, despite calls to stop it. The trial follows recommendations by the Cass Review, which found previous research on the benefits of these drugs to be lacking in quality. Concerns raised include potential risks to brain development, fertility, and bone density.
Key Facts
- Wes Streeting is the Health Secretary and made the decision to continue the trial.
- Puberty blockers are drugs that can delay or prevent puberty.
- A trial was recommended by the Cass Review to better understand the drugs' effectiveness and safety.
- The trial, named PATHWAYS, is set to start in January and will monitor children's health closely.
- Concerns include the effects of puberty blockers on brain development and fertility.
- The trial will include about 226 children aged 10 to almost 16.
- Some officials and MPs are worried the trial could harm participants and call it an unnecessary experiment.
- The trial will ensure a consent process involving children and their parents.
