Wes Streeting’s puberty blocker ban makes sense
Spectator (UK)Jul 25
UK to Ban Puberty Blockers for Under 18s Indefinitely
Above: UK Health Sec. Wes Streeting arrives for a cabinet meeting at Downing Street in London, UK, on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. Image copyright: Carlos Jasso/Bloomberg/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
The UK's ban on private prescriptions of puberty blockers to those under the age of 18 has been extended indefinitely, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced on Wednesday.
It comes after a review by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) — a body of independent experts that advises the UK government on the efficacy and safety of medicines — found that there was an "unsafe prescribing environment" in the way drugs were being accessed by adolescents.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
This decision was reached after independent experts found that there were unacceptable risks in the way young people are accessing these treatments. Those experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence are often vulnerable so it is important that the advice of experts is followed while work to improve access to healthcare proceeds.
Left narrative
A number of experts and stakeholders have taken issue with the methodology of the review relied upon by the government to ban adolescents from accessing these essential treatments. This is a discriminatory policy that will harm the lives of countless young trans people.
Right narrative
Banning puberty blockers is a crucial step toward protecting the safety of children. With legitimate concerns regarding their side effects, Streeting has sensibly prioritized the well-being of minors over ideological agendas. This is an essential move.