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Subject: Puberty Blockers Save Lives

 

Dear [MP Name],

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I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent ban on puberty blockers for trans youth under the age of 18, enacted on December 11, 2024. This decision disregards evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of puberty blockers and poses a significant risk to the well-being of trans youth in the UK. I urge you to advocate for the reversal of this harmful policy.

 

Key Facts About Puberty Blockers:

• Puberty blockers have been safely used and extensively studied for over 40 years. [1]

• They can reduce the need for invasive surgeries later in life by halting the development of unwanted secondary sexual characteristics. [2]

• In 2024, fewer than 100 youth accessed puberty blockers, and only after comprehensive assessments to ensure the appropriateness of this treatment for each individual. [3]

 

Addressing Misconceptions:

 

Concerns about risks to bone mass development (BMD) and fertility have often been exaggerated or misconstrued. Evidence shows that while puberty blockers may temporarily delay optimal BMD, this effect is mitigated by the introduction of affirming hormone therapy at the appropriate time. [4]  As for fertility, halting puberty blockers allows the body to resume natural hormone production and restore fertility potential.

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Puberty blockers provide trans youth with the critical time needed to explore their identities and make informed decisions about their futures. This treatment alleviates distress associated with gender dysphoria, significantly reducing the risk of severe mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality. [5]

 

Concerns About the Ban:

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The ban follows the findings of the Cass Review, which has faced widespread critique for its methodology and recommendations. The British Medical Association is currently evaluating the Review, citing significant concerns from doctors and academics regarding its flaws. [6] Yale academics have criticized the Review for misusing data and failing to meet its own evidentiary standards, often relying on speculation over expert consensus. [7]

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The NHS has committed to a greater focus on prevention throughout the healthcare system, a principle echoed in Labour’s recent healthcare objectives. [8]  Denying trans youth access to puberty blockers contradicts this commitment and exacerbates the challenges faced by an already vulnerable population.

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I urge you to stand against this harmful policy and support efforts to reinstate access to puberty blockers for trans youth. Their health, dignity, and futures depend on compassionate and evidence-based care.

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Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. I hope to hear about the actions you will take to address it.

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Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

 

A Few Citations on Puberty Blockers

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[1] https://segm.org/puberty-blockers-hormones-child-right-open-future

[2] https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/foi-eir-release/2020/01/foi-201900010673/documents/foi-201900010673---document-3---puberty-blockers-and-trans-yp---april-2017/foi-201900010673---document-3---puberty-blockers-and-trans-yp---april-2017/govscot%253Adocument/FOI-201900010673%252B-%252BDocument%252B3%252B-%252B%252BPuberty%252Bblockers%252Band%252BTrans%252BYP%252B-%252BApril%252B2017.pdf#:~:text=reduces%20the%20need%20for%20invasive%20and%20costly,been%20exposed%20to%20one%27s%20own%20sex%20hormones.

[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68549091

[4] https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/100/2/E270/2814818

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7073269/

[6] https://www.bma.org.uk/bma-media-centre/bma-to-undertake-an-evaluation-of-the-cass-review-on-gender-identity-services-for-children-and-young-people

[7] https://law.yale.edu/sites/default/files/documents/integrity-project_cass-response.pdf

[8] https://labour.org.uk/change/build-an-nhs-fit-for-the-future/

https://transactual.org.uk/advocacy/critiques-of-the-cass-review/​ ​