Children put on a path of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones to deal with their gender dysphoria have been let down by “remarkably weak” evidence that this was the best option, a major report has concluded.
Dr Hilary Cass’s report, which was commissioned in 2020 to look into how the NHS cares for children with gender dysphoria, found that there was no good evidence supporting the global medical consensus of hormone blockers for under-18s.
The report also found that medical professionals were afraid to voice concern about the dangers of this treatment due to the “toxicity” of the debate around trans healthcare.
In the foreword, speaking directly to those who suffer from gender dysphoria, Cass said: “Firstly, you must have the same standards of care as everyone else in the NHS, and that means basing treatments on good evidence. I have been disappointed by the lack of evidence on the long-term impact of taking hormones from an early age; research has let us all down, most importantly you.”
Cass also said: “For most young people, a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.”
Since studies have found that trans-identified people are three to six times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than those who do not identify as trans, Cass said that those with gender dysphoria must be treated “as a whole person and not just through the lens of their gender identity”.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “We’ve seen a sharp rise in recent years of children, particularly adolescent girls, questioning their gender. I welcome Dr Cass’s expert review which urges treating these children, who often have complex needs, with great care and compassion.”
“We simply do not know the long-term impact of medical treatment or social transitioning on them, and we should therefore exercise extreme caution. We acted swiftly on Dr Cass’s interim report to make changes in schools and our NHS, providing comprehensive guidance for schools and stopping the routine use of puberty blockers, and we will continue to ensure that we take the right steps to protect young people. The wellbeing and health of children must come first.”
Helen Joyce, author of Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality and director of advocacy at the charity Sex Matters, said: “Hilary Cass’s report is the nail in the coffin for the so-called ‘gender-affirming’ treatment model. The total lack of evidence base is laid bare for everyone to see.”
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