7 sources·Health

UK Indefinitely Bans Puberty Blockers for Minors Amid Safety Concerns

The UK government has announced a permanent ban on puberty blockers for children, citing safety risks and insufficient evidence for treatment effectiveness.

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Updated: Dec 11th, 2024, 3:06 PM ET

Summary

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The British government has indefinitely prohibited the use of puberty blockers for minors after expert reviews indicated unacceptable safety risks. Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the need for caution and evidence-led healthcare. The decision affects all under-18s and follows prior emergency bans due to concerns about the misuse of the medication. While current users may continue treatment, new prescriptions will be halted until further evidence is gathered in upcoming clinical trials, set to be reviewed in 2027, highlighting the ongoing debate around gender identity and medical care for youth.

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