High Court Hears Challenge to Emergency Order Banning Puberty Blockers for Young People with Gender Dysphoria

The High Court is currently hearing a challenge to the emergency order that imposed a ban on prescribing puberty blockers to young people with gender dysphoria in England, Scotland, and Wales. The advocacy group TransActual and a young individual are at the forefront of this legal battle, arguing that the ban has had detrimental effects on over 1,000 under-18s.

Representing the claimants in court, Jason Coppel KC highlighted that the ban lacked evidence to support it and was driven by the personal beliefs of the former health secretary, Victoria Atkins. He emphasized the concerning increase in self-harm and suicide attempts among affected individuals following the implementation of the ban.

Victoria Atkins altered regulations in response to the findings of the Cass Report, which raised issues regarding the efficacy and risks associated with puberty blockers. However, the report did not explicitly recommend a ban on the medication, making Atkins’ decision controversial.

The ban currently restricts the prescription of puberty blockers except under NHS-approved clinical trials. Notably, there have been no trials established yet, despite recommendations from the Cass Report calling for their implementation.

During the hearing, Julian Milford KC, representing the Department of Health and Social Care, defended the emergency order, stating that it was crucial to safeguard the health of vulnerable children. Milford argued that the potential long-term effects of these medicines on children’s health and well-being warranted the swift action taken by the health secretary.

The judgement on this case is pending, with the Labour Government expressing its intention to make the ban permanent post the court’s decision.