Health Secretary Wes Streeting is facing backlash from Labour MPs after defending the continuation of a ban on puberty blockers for minors, citing the need for more evidence on the long-term effects of halting pubertal hormones. Jake News reports that the ban, originally imposed by Conservative predecessor Victoria Atkins, had been set to expire at the end of September but may be made permanent.
Streeting emphasized that the decision is based on the Cass Review, which found insufficient evidence on the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers for gender incongruence. The NHS has already ceased prescribing these drugs for this purpose due to the lack of research.
Critics within his party, including members of Labour’s LGBT wing, have written to express their concerns, arguing that while the Cass Review advocates caution, it does not call for an outright ban. High-profile women’s rights advocate J.K. Rowling, however, supported Streeting's decision as "humane and considered."
Today, Jake hears that Streeting affirmed that children's healthcare should be strictly evidence-based and that a clinical trial is being established to ensure the safe monitoring of puberty blockers. He maintained that the safety of children remains the paramount concern in this decision-making process.