Children Questioning Gender Should Be Steered Away From Medical Treatment, Landmark Report Warns
Children questioning their gender should be steered away from medical treatment, a landmark report warns. Dr Hilary Cass’s four-year review also found “the rationale was unclear” for prescribing controversial puberty blockers.
The Importance of Caution in Gender Transition Treatment
Doctors should exercise extreme caution when giving children hormones of the opposite sex to help with their desire to transition, the leading paediatrician said.
Dr. Hilary Cass’s Key Recommendations
Dr Cass was commissioned by ministers in 2020 to look into how the NHS should deal with the rapid rise in gender-questioning children. One of Dr Cass’s key recommendations is for clinicians to screen children for conditions such as autism and assess their mental health to see whether medical treatment is really the best option.
The Debate Around Trans Issues
She has warned the debate around trans issues has become toxic, leaving many healthcare professionals afraid to speak their minds.
The Uncertainty of Medical Pathways
She said: “For most young people, a medical pathway will not be best to manage their gender-related distress.”
Rationale for Early Puberty Suppression Remains Unclear
The review found weak evidence that puberty blockers helped deal with gender dysphoria and said: “The rationale for early puberty suppression remains unclear.”
The Call for Caution
She also said the use of gender hormones by anyone under 18 “presents many unknowns”. Dr Cass added that a “more cautious approach” must also be taken for prepubescent children.
Resonance Within the Professional Community
Helen Joyce, from Sex Matters, said: “Hilary Cass’s report demolishes the entire basis for the current model of treating gender-distressed children.
Government Response and Future Prospects
PM Rishi Sunak welcomed the review, saying: “We simply do not know the long term impacts of medical treatment or social transitioning.”