The Government has today renewed a temporary
ban on the sale and supply of puberty-suppressing
hormones, known as ‘puberty blockers.'
The continuation of the ban applies to the sale or supply of
these drugs, prescribed by private UK-registered prescribers for
gender incongruence or dysphoria to under 18s not already taking
them.
It also prevents the sale and supply of the medicines from
prescribers registered in the European Economic Area or
Switzerland for any purposes to those under 18.
The government has also extended the order to cover Northern
Ireland, following agreement from the Northern Ireland Executive,
to come into effect from the 27 August.
The legislation is available here
If people are unsure how the ban applies to their circumstances,
there is further information here
The
National Referral Support Service for NHS Children and Young
People's Gender Services provides details of
organisations that people can contact for help and support.
The General Pharmaceutical Council has published a resource
for pharmacy professionals to support them in providing
information, support and services to children and young people
with gender incongruence or dysphoria.
Anyone in need of urgent support can contact NHS 111 and choose
the mental health option. There is also advice on getting mental
health support available on the NHS website.
