NHS England confirms children will no longer take puberty blockers

NHS England has confirmed that gender identity clinics will no longer prescribe puberty blockers to children.

Puberty blockers, which pause the physical changes of puberty, such as breast development or facial hair, are now only available to children as part of clinical research trials.

The government said it welcomed the “landmark decision”, adding that it would help ensure care is evidence-based and in the “best interests of the child”.

It follows an independent review commissioned by NHS England in 2020 into gender identity services for under-18s, which led to a public consultation and interim policy on the issue.

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