We are increasingly concerned by reports that private providers are circumventing the Department for Health and Social Care ban on the use of puberty blockers for children by directly putting them on cross-sex hormone treatments or using other drugs to “stop puberty.” Some providers are even recommending alternative ways to fulfill prescriptions for puberty blockers, raising serious concerns about the safety and ethics of these practices.
One example that came to light earlier this year involved the prescription of dangerously high levels of testosterone to a 15-year-old, as highlighted in a Family Court ruling. This case underscores the potential risks of inadequate oversight and the need for immediate intervention.
The possibility of circumventing the ban is explicitly mentioned in advice from a prominent private provider, which suggests using alternative drugs that are not covered by the UK ban on GnRHa (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone analogues) medication. These drugs are often unregulated or less scrutinized, making them particularly dangerous for minors who may not fully understand the long-term consequences of their use.
Even more worrying is the fact that this same provider points out the option of sourcing puberty blockers from abroad, which could be done without proper medical oversight in the UK. They even mention that these treatments are available to adults over the age of 18, posing a significant risk of third-party adults passing these medications on to minors. This practice circumvents UK laws and safeguards, putting vulnerable children in a perilous situation with limited recourse for monitoring and intervention.
Most of these prescribing practices will remain “invisible” unless the child is already known to the NHS or social care services for other reasons. This makes it difficult for authorities to track and prevent such potentially dangerous practices. Without the proper regulatory oversight, children could fall through the cracks, leaving them exposed to treatments that could have lasting, harmful consequences.
We urge the government to take immediate action to investigate these practices and close this dangerous loophole. It is imperative that safeguards are strengthened to prevent children from being removed from proper medical oversight and protection in this manner. We need stronger regulation, accountability, and oversight in the private sector to ensure that vulnerable minors are not exposed to harmful, unregulated treatments that put their physical and emotional well-being at risk. Safeguarding children must remain a top priority, and the government must act swiftly to close these gaps before more young people are harmed.