Rebecca Paul MP Challenges Health Secretary Over Use of Puberty Blockers in Children

Speaking during Oral Questions on Tuesday 21 October, Ms Paul highlighted concerns that many of the children referred to gender identity services are among the most vulnerable in society, including those who are same-sex attracted, neurodiverse, have experienced trauma, or are in care.

Rebecca Paul MP said:

“Most young people referred to gender identity services are same-sex attracted, neurodiverse and/or traumatised. Looked-after children are also over-represented in this cohort. Is the Secretary of State really comfortable with children being given puberty blockers, which essentially chemically neuter them, for the purposes of the PATHWAYS clinical trial?”

In response, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said the Government would continue to take an “evidence-based approach” and act “carefully and sensitively” in this area.

Following the exchange, Ms Paul reiterated her position, saying:

“We now have clear findings from the Cass Review showing that the evidence base for puberty blockers is remarkably weak and the risks are serious, from impaired bone density to disrupted brain development.

Restarting these treatments through a new trial risk repeating the mistakes of the past and will turn vulnerable children into test subjects. The NHS should be focusing on why so many young people are in distress in the first place, instead of pushing wild and dangerous ideology at the expense of our young people.”

The PATHWAYS study, announced earlier this year, allows for the limited use of puberty blockers in children referred to gender identity services under a clinical research framework. The policy has raised significant concern among MPs, clinicians, and parents about safeguarding, medical ethics, and informed consent.