UK: NHS Reverses Itself, Removes Minimum Age of Seven for Gender Treatment
Source claims NHS “caved to pressure” of trans activists to remove limits
The National Health Service (NHS) in England has revised its guidelines for gender identity services, removing a previously proposed minimum age of seven for referrals to specialist gender clinics, The Telegraph reported May 15. This change follows the Cass Review, an independent assessment led by pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, which recommended a more holistic approach to care for children and young people experiencing gender incongruence.
The Sunday Times and the BBC have made similar reports.
NHS had intended to set a minimum age of seven for children to be seen by its specialist gender clinics, claiming anything less was “just too young”. When the proposed minimum age guidelines were released for consultation, the limit was removed.
According to The Telegraph, “a source close to the consultation process said NHS England had “caved to the pressure” of trans activists to remove the limits.”
Under the new guidelines, children of any age can be referred to NHS gender services. However, medical interventions such as puberty blockers are no longer routinely available and will only be accessible through clinical research trials . Instead, the focus is on providing psychological support and family counseling.
The decision to eliminate the age threshold has been met with mixed reactions. Some clinicians and advocacy groups express concern that early referrals may lead to unnecessary medicalization of typical childhood behavior. Conversely, others argue that early access to support services is crucial for families navigating complex gender identity issues.
In response to the Cass Review's findings, the NHS is expanding its network of gender clinics, with plans to open up to eight regional centers by 2026. These centers aim to provide comprehensive assessments, including evaluations for neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health support.
As of May 2024, approximately 5,769 individuals under 18 were on the waiting list for gender care services, with an average waiting time of 100 weeks. The youngest person on the list was under five years old.
The NHS's updated approach reflects a shift towards evidence-based, individualized care for young people experiencing gender incongruence, emphasizing psychological support over medical intervention.
