The Government has extended its ban of puberty blockers until 31 December 2024, making it a criminal offence to sell or supply these drugs to trans youth who were not already taking them.
According to trans youth charity Mermaids, the previous government did not consult with LGBTQ+ organisations when the ban was first introduced in June 2024.
The charity said on social media: “We have made it clear that the temporary ban should be scrapped, not made permanent.
“We understand further time has been requested to ‘fully consider’ our significant concerns.”
Mermaids believes the “criminalisation of puberty blockers makes trans youth less safe.
“The climate of fear created by the ban pushes trans young people who are desperate to transition further underground. Already, we are hearing that trans young people are disengaging from healthcare, school and other services that are meant to look after them.”
Puberty blockers remain available on the NHS for cis young people for things like precocious puberty, or those who are intersex.
The Government will must decide in December to either extend the temporary ban, make the ban permanent or scrap it altogether.
If you have been personally impacted, contact Mermaids’ helpline team for advice and support: 0808 8010 400 from 1pm-8:30pm, Monday-Friday, or via email or webchat: https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/helpline-support-services/