News

Trans rights charities question High Court ruling on puberty blockers for under-16s

3 mins read Health
Charities supporting transgender young people have raised concerns over a High Court ruling that children under 16 are unlikely to be able to give informed consent to undergo treatment with puberty-blocking drugs.
The ruling was made by three judges at London's High Court. Picture: Mermaids
The ruling was made by three judges at London's High Court. Picture: Mermaids

Delivering the ruling in a case brought against Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, Dame Victoria Sharp, sitting with Lord Justice Lewis and Mrs Justice Lieven, said yesterday (1 December): "It is highly unlikely that a child aged 13 or under would be competent to give consent to the administration of puberty blockers.

"It is doubtful that a child aged 14 or 15 could understand and weigh the long-term risks and consequences of the administration of puberty blockers."

The case was brought by Kiera Bell, a 23-year-old woman who was referred to the Tavistock Centre, which runs the UK's only gender-identity development service (GIDS), as a teenager and was prescribed puberty blockers aged 16.

Register Now to Continue Reading

Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's Included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here


More like this