LGBTQ+ organisations have responded after the puberty blocker ban currently in place in England, Scotland and Wales was extended to Northern Ireland. The news was announced by the UK government’s Department of Health and Social Care on Thursday, August 22.
The government’s statement reads: “The continuation of the ban applies to the sale or supply of these drugs, prescribed by private UK-registered prescribers for gender incongruence or dysphoria to under 18s not already taking them. It also prevents the sale and supply of the medicines from prescribers registered in the European Economic Area or Switzerland for any purposes to those under 18.”
The puberty blocker ban will come into effect in Northern Ireland from August 27, and it has been reported that the order was signed off by the first and deputy first ministers without wider executive approval.
LGBTQ+ organisations Cara-Friend, Rainbow Project, HERe, Belfast Trans Resource Centre and Mermaids collectively responded to the announcement, calling it “extremely disappointing” and adding that it “will undoubtedly cause harm to trans young people and their families who require this care”.
“Decisions around puberty blockers, and any other care for trans youth, must be made by young people, their clinicians and their family, not by politicians.
“We are seeking urgent clarification on why this decision was made, and are requesting meetings with Executive parties to chart a path forward where all trans people in Northern Ireland have access to timely, competent and accessible care that meets their needs.” the statement concluded.
