Ban on Puberty Blockers Extended to Northern Ireland

A temporary ban on the sale and supply of puberty blockers has been extended to Northern Ireland, following an urgent decision made by the first and deputy first ministers. This action comes in response to the Cass Review, which highlighted significant "gaps in evidence" regarding the safety and efficacy of these drugs for children. The decision was made without broader executive approval, raising questions about the process and implications for the UK as a whole. Mr. Nesbitt, who facilitated the urgent decision, emphasized the need to meet a "hard deadline" that could affect the entire UK. He indicated that he had shared a rationale for the ban with colleagues but did not confirm whether there was any feedback from them. The Rainbow Project, an LGBTQ+ charity, expressed concern over the political nature of the decision, advocating for clinical decisions to be made in consultation with patients rather than politicians. Alexa Moore from the Rainbow Project welcomed the inclusion of Northern Ireland in the ban, citing the lack of long-term evidence regarding the safety of puberty blockers. She noted that the Cass Review did not assess local clinical services and expressed anticipation for the upcoming Gender Identity Service Pathway Review by the Department of Health, which aims to better inform future service provision. Sinn Féin has stated its commitment to following medical advice from the chief medical officer and emphasized that healthcare decisions should be based on clinical evidence rather than political motivations. The Department of Health reiterated the need for a UK-wide legislative approach to avoid potential loopholes, expressing concern over the impact of the ban on young people and their families.