Health Secretary Review of Cross-Sex Hormones

The Health Secretary is reviewing the private prescription of cross-sex hormones for young people, following a High Court case. An expert committee will report in July on the use of this type of medication for under 18s who want to change gender.

Background of the Case

The case was brought by activists who demanded a complete judicial review of the government’s handling of the issue. The application was rejected, with Lady Justice Whipple stating that the case had "essentially moved on" since the government set up a review in April. The review was established after the NHS announced that it would no longer prescribe puberty blockers to under 18s in gender identity clinics.

Prescription of Cross-Sex Hormones

Activists argued that the prescription of cross-sex hormones should also be addressed, criticizing the government’s failure to do so. However, Lady Justice Whipple said that it was not "unreasonable or irrational" for the government to first address the issue of puberty blockers and then consider cross-sex hormones. The court also considered "alternative legal mechanisms" to address questions about private and overseas providers who prescribe such drugs.

What are Cross-Sex Hormones?

Cross-sex hormones are given to people who identify as a gender that differs from their biological gender. The medication helps someone who is transitioning to develop characteristics associated with their preferred gender. For example, it can help a trans man develop a deeper voice and facial hair. Existing NHS guidelines allow the hormones to be prescribed to people aged 16 and over.

Differences from Puberty Blockers

Cross-sex hormones differ from puberty blockers, which stop the onset of puberty by suppressing the release of hormones. Puberty blockers are no longer prescribed to under 18s in NHS gender identity clinics. The government has established a review to consider the use of cross-sex hormones for under 18s, with an expert committee set to report in July.

Reaction to the Judgment

The claimant, who received cross-sex hormones as a teenager, welcomed the Health Secretary’s review. She said that she was relieved that the government was considering a ban on cross-sex hormones outside the NHS, stating that "these powerful drugs should not be given to children and young people." The Health Secretary’s lawyer argued that the government was taking a rational approach to the issue, seeking clinical and expert advice before making a decision.

Government Response

The Department of Health and Social Care stated that the healthcare of children was "always guided by evidence." The government is working with the NHS to reform gender services for young people, following the recommendations of the Cass Review. A consultant clinical psychologist argued that there was no justification for a ban on cross-sex hormones for under 18s, stating that the decision to treat should remain between the young person, their family, and their clinical team.