The announcement, made in a policy paper published by NHS England, states that while the prescription of the drugs at clinics will be halted, those currently on them will be able to continue their treatment.
Fewer than 100 children are currently on puberty blockers.
The NHS policy paper states: “We have concluded that there is not enough evidence to support the safety or clinical effectiveness of PSH to make the treatment routinely available at this time.”
According to the NHS website, puberty blockers pause the physical changes that happen during puberty including facial hair and breast development.
Charity Mermaids, which supports transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children and their families, said: “This announcement is deeply disappointing, and a further restriction of support offered to trans children and young people through the NHS, which is failing trans youth. There were virtually no first appointments offered in 2023, with ever-growing waiting lists of over five years.
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