The government’s indefinite ban on puberty blockers grants dangerous legitimacy to the gender-critical movement, empowering those who promote transphobic narratives under the guise of “protecting children.” This decision will be weaponised to further restrict trans healthcare, intensify public hostility, and embolden anti-trans activists to push for even harsher policies. By framing life-saving medical care as dangerous or experimental, the government is reinforcing harmful myths that place trans lives at greater risk.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s dismissal of every trans person, family member, and healthcare expert he met before imposing this ban highlights the deeply prejudiced nature of this policy. Their lived experiences and urgent concerns were disregarded in favour of an agenda driven by ideological bias, not medical evidence. The Cass Review, which serves as the foundation for this ban, has been widely discredited internationally for its flawed methodology and evident anti-trans bias. The fact that this ban targets only young trans people, while leaving young cisgender individuals unaffected, underscores the ideological motivations of Mr Streeting.

We strongly urge the government to rethink this overtly transphobic decision, which will have harmful consequences for young trans individuals who deserve their healthcare rights to be upheld.