The NHS England says that Children will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers, except for the case of a clinical research trial.
The government said it welcomed the “landmark decision”, adding it would help ensure care is based on evidence and is in the “best interests of the child”.
This is coming after NHS England commissioned an independent review of gender identity services for children under 18 in 2020.
The review followed a sharp rise in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) – a specialised service for young people who experience difficulties in the development of their gender identity – run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust which is closing at the end of March.
After Tavistock closes, two new NHS services will open in early April, situated in Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.
The NHS said children attending these clinics will be supported by experts in neurodiversity, paediatrics and mental health.
In 2021/22, there were more than 5,000 referrals to GIDS, compared to just under 250 a decade earlier.
Puberty blockers can be used to delay the development of physical characteristics which can make someone look male or female.
Health Minister Maria Caulfield said: “We have always been clear that children’s safety and wellbeing is paramount, so we welcome this landmark decision by the NHS.
“Ending the routine prescription of puberty blockers will help ensure that care is based on evidence, expert clinical opinion and is in the best interests of the child.”
