High Court hears argument for making puberty blocker ban permanent due to government’s strong stance
The government plans to initiate a consultation to extend the 3-month ban on prescribing puberty blockers by private clinics, as stated by its legal team.
The Labour government is considering making permanent an emergency ban on puberty blockers imposed by the Tories, as disclosed in the High Court on Friday.
In an email during a legal challenge against the ban, the Government Legal Department revealed that the government might renew the emergency ban on puberty blockers, subject to appropriate consultation.
Campaign group TransActual, together with an anonymous young person, is challenging the ban, arguing that the order was illegal.
In response to the legal challenge, lawyers from the Government Legal Department informed that the government is inclined to make the ban permanent after the consultation process.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized that the safety of children will always be prioritized by the government and decisions will be guided by the findings of the Cass Review.
Cass Review
The Cass Review refers to an independent evaluation led by Dr. Hilary Cass, which highlighted the lack of quality studies on the effects of puberty blockers.
Emergency Process
During the High Court hearing, it was argued that the emergency ban was made without proper consultation and overlooked the advice of health officials.
Justice Beverley Lang is expected to deliver a written verdict at a later stage.
PA Media contributed to this report.
