WPATH and EPATH Response to NHS England’ (UK) Puberty blocker policy
NHS England wanted to hear what patients, parents and carers, clinicians, providers and other interested parties think about the proposed interim clinical policy . The policy proposition is that puberty suppressing hormones (PSH) are not recommended to be available as a routine commissioning option for treatment of children and adolescents who have gender incongruence or dysphoria. More information can be found here.
The European Professional Association for Transgender Health (EPATH) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) are deeply concerned over the NHS England Interim Clinical Policy: Puberty suppressing hormones for children and adolescents who have gender incongruence or dysphoria. Transgender and gender diverse young people across the United Kingdom are facing a health care access crisis. The closure of the NHS Tavistock Clinic’s Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), with no new clinical hubs fully operational yet, has left young transgender and gender diverse people and families with no opportunity to obtain care. This is in breach of the main Principles of the NHS Constitution. We urge NHS England to immediately revise the proposed guidelines and work to strengthen equitable access to gender-affirming health care services for transgender and gender diverse youth across the nation.
Click here to read our full response to NHS England’ Puberty blockers policy.