Justice Beverley Lang of the High Court of Justice in London affirmed the prohibition in a July 29 decision. She cited the Cass Review commissioned by the National Health Service (NHS) to back up her ruling. According to the said study, the evidence supporting so-called “gender-affirming care” is weak and that there are unknown risks that come with puberty blockers.
The NHS had already ceased prescribing puberty blockers the previous year – citing insufficient evidence regarding their benefits and potential harms. TransActual Healthcare Director Chay Brown expressed concern that the government imposed the ban and subsequently sought justification for it. Brown highlighted the distress of young transgender individuals in the U.K. who feel neglected by the medical community and believe their existence has been politicized.
While the ban was initiated by the recently ousted Conservative government, it might become a permanent measure under the new Labor administration. Incumbent British Health Secretary Wes Streeting endorsed the court’s decision – emphasizing a cautious approach.
Puberty blockers used in America to treat gender dysphoria despite lack of FDA approval
The U.S. regulator has approved these medications for other uses such as certain infertility issues, treating endometriosis, prostate cancer and a rare genetic condition in children.
However, since puberty blockers are not FDA-approved for treating gender dysphoria, doctors prescribe these drugs to minors “off-label” for a purpose not officially approved by the FDA. In some U.S. states, teens as young as 15 can receive puberty blockers without parental consent.
Supporters of puberty blockers argue that they are largely safe and reversible. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) claims these treatments can be stopped without lasting effects. However, a report from Britain’s NHS suggests that these drugs may trap children in a treatment path as 96 to 98 percent of those who start puberty blockers go on to take cross-sex hormones.
Despite claims that puberty blockers have been safely used since the late 1980s, significant evidence points to serious long-term side effects.
In 2017, the Center for Investigative Reporting disclosed that the FDA had received over 10,000 adverse event reports from women who took “Lupron” off-label as children to increase their height. The side effects included bone density loss, cognitive issues, dental issues, fertility problems, fibromyalgia, joint pains, migraines, mood swings, seizures, spinal problems and suicidal thoughts. Recently, the FDA added another warning about the risk of brain swelling and vision loss in children on these medications.
The lack of conclusive research demonstrating that the benefits of puberty blockers outweigh the risks has led to increased scrutiny in the U.S. and internationally. Several U.S. states with Republican-majority legislatures have restricted or banned gender-affirming care for minors.
Finland, Norway and Sweden have also scaled back the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for minors, citing concerns over side effects. In the U.K., the NHS closed its largest youth gender clinic after numerous clinicians resigned, alleging pressure to over-diagnose vulnerable youth and prescribe inappropriate treatments.
Nevertheless, the prevailing medical practice in the U.S. and much of Europe continues to favor “gender-affirming” treatments over alternative approaches, like watchful waiting and therapy.
Wingstop, the quick-service chicken chain which is Britain's fastest-growing restaurant operator, is hoisting a "for sale" sign over its UK business.Sky News has learnt that the company, which is majority-owned by the trio of entrepreneurs who brought it to Britain in 2018, has hired Goldman Sachs to find new owners. City sources said the sale had been initiated in response to unsolicited expressions of interest from potential buyers.Money latest - […]
Post comments (0)