House of Commons · Westminster Hall
30 April 2025 · 9 other contributors · 8,750 words
Opened by Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Responding minister: Karin Smyth
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Rebecca Paul raised concerns about gender incongruence: puberty suppressing hormones in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The NHS should reconsider the use of puberty blockers given the lack of evidence of benefit and potential harms to these vulnerable children.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The number of children and young people presenting to the UK NHS with gender distress has increased year on year since 2009, with a significant rise in 2014. In 2016, there were 1,766 referrals to GIDS, two-thirds of whom were female. These children often suffer from neurodiversity, mental health issues and trauma. Studies have shown that puberty blockers do not provide psychological benefits and may even worsen symptoms in some cases.
Emphasised the need to look at existing data on patients treated at GIDS and questioned why new trials were necessary. Raised concerns about NHS trusts not fully participating in research, urging the Government to ensure compliance with data-sharing requirements.
Declared interest as an NHS consultant paediatrician, expressing concern over a fiftyfold increase in diagnoses of gender dysphoria. She questioned the planned trial's focus on long-term outcomes and raised concerns about the risks associated with puberty blockers, including impacts on bone density and neurodevelopmental effects.
Supports the establishment of multiple regional centres to reduce waiting times but highlights that only two centres are open currently in London and North West, leaving many young people on long waiting lists. Confirmed meeting with Dr Cass and supporting the clinical trial recommended. Helen asked for evidence of the consultation to be published for families' confidence in the ban decision. She emphasised the importance of research following international best practices and respecting medical decisions made by patients and clinicians.
Commended the decision to ban access to puberty blockers for young children, expressing concerns about long-term safety and efficacy based on lack of comprehensive studies. Highlighted alignment with UK policy in Northern Ireland.
Emphasised the importance of a more considered and evidence-based approach to puberty blockers, mentioning the need for clinical trials.
Acknowledged the respectful tone of the debate, thanked the Minister and other MPs for their contributions, and expressed support for working with the Government to ensure the best outcomes for children.
Raises concerns about the lack of evidence on long-term effects of puberty blockers used at Tavistock clinic. Questions the current clinical trial sponsored by NICE. Asked about experiences in other countries that have looked at alternatives to trials for children with gender dysphoria, highlighting the importance of looking at existing data before proceeding.
Welcomed the call for a rigorous, safe and scientific trial to determine the efficacy of puberty blockers in treating gender dysphoria. Emphasised the need for more evidence-based research.
Asked whether the Liberal Democrats support views from the Cass review, highlighting that it has not been stated on public record yet.
Government Response
Karin SmythThe Minister for Secondary Care
Confirmed that the UK has rigorous ethical approval pathways and no clinical trial can proceed without necessary independent scientific approvals. Stressed the importance of a cautious approach to ensure young people are taken seriously, with access to support and counselling before joining the trial. Mentioned the PATHWAYS programme of research including the world’s first clinical trial for puberty blockers to better understand their benefits and effects.