Puberty Suppressants 2026-01-13
2026-01-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial has undergone a thorough independent review and received all regulatory approvals. However, Rosie Duffield raises concerns based on the US Department of Health and Human Services’ report that highlights significant long-term harm from pediatric medical transition.
What discussions has he had with King’s College London on the compliance of the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial with the Medicines for Human Use (Clinical Trials) Regulations 2004?
The PATHWAYS trial has undergone a thorough independent review and has received all the regulatory and ethical approvals. The sponsors of the study, King’s College London and South London and Maudsley NHS foundation trust, are working to ensure that it is conducted in compliance with the relevant regulations.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the rationale or evidence supporting the medicalization approach beyond referencing Dr Hilary Cass's report.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The US Department of Health and Human Services’ report found significant long-term harms from pediatric medical transition, as testified by Keira Bell. The Government is moving away from a medical intervention model towards a holistic approach based on Dr Hilary Cass's recommendations.
What is the Government’s rationale behind medicalising yet more vulnerable children, given that we have no evidence of any benefit to this approach and, in fact, plenty of evidence of harm?
The Government are acting on the recommendations of Dr Hilary Cass’s report, which is world-leading evidence. The model is moving away from medical intervention towards a holistic approach to care based on the available evidence. A meeting with clinicians and others who disagree with the trial is being arranged.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address the rationale or provide concrete benefits of the approach beyond referencing Dr Cass's report and cross-party support.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Puberty blockers are prescribed to non-trans youth as well, but there are concerns about long waiting times causing harm. Dr Cass recommended against a blanket ban on puberty blockers.
Can the Minister outline what steps the Department is taking to increase funding and capacity for children and young people’s gender services to address unacceptably long waiting times?
We are moving towards a more holistic approach based on Dr Cass’s evidence. The Government is investing significantly in all services supporting young people presenting with gender dysphoria and distress, although specifics of funding increases or capacity improvements were not detailed.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific steps for increasing funding or capacity for gender services beyond acknowledging the holistic approach and increased investment.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Part of the PATHWAYS trial involves asking children under 13 to complete a questionnaire on romantic relationships, which raises concerns about sexual questioning.
Is he as concerned as I am that children under the age of 13 will be asked sexually explicit questions?
All Members are concerned about young people's distress when seeking services, and it is important that all parts of the trial follow ethical and clinical guidelines. The PATHWAYS study follows such guidelines.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny concern over sexual questioning but assured adherence to ethical and clinical guidelines.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Over the last 15 years, around 2,000 children were given puberty blockers based on their questioning gender identity. There is a concern about following up long-term outcomes before administering to more children.
Could the Minister explain why we are not following up on the long-term outcomes of the past 2,000 cases before administering these powerful drugs to 200 more?
We are looking at how best to use the available data from previous studies, acknowledging that this data was collected for different purposes and may not be of sufficient quality for the current review. The Government will continue using all available evidence both domestically and internationally.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct explanation but acknowledged reviewing existing data while emphasizing use of all available evidence.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Secretary of State previously stated acceptance of all recommendations in Dr Cass’s review, including mandating release of data from a previous study.
What specific steps have been taken to mandate the release of data for the data linkage study?
We are working with NHS England to ensure that the release of data is mandated as per Dr Cass’s recommendations. Specific steps include ensuring that this directive is enforced by relevant authorities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide detailed specifics on mandate enforcement beyond acknowledging ongoing work with NHS England.
Response accuracy