MAFS star Ella Morgan urges NHS to listen to trans people following Cass Review: ‘Let us be heard’
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The Cass Review, a comprehensive report on the model of healthcare for transgender young people in England, has sparked controversy and criticism from various quarters, including reality TV star Ella Morgan. The report, which was commissioned by NHS England and led by paediatrician expert Dr Hilary Cass, took four years to complete and was finally published this month.
One of the key criticisms levelled at the Cass Review by Ella Morgan is that it failed to adequately listen to the voices of transgender young people themselves. In an interview with PinkNews, Morgan described the report as “scaremongering” and expressed concerns that it did not take into account the experiences and perspectives of those directly affected by its recommendations.
The Cass Review found that there was no single reason for the sharp rise in referrals to The Tavistock Centre, England’s only youth gender clinic at the time. It recommended a holistic approach to care and individualised assessments through regional hubs across the country. While some experts and activists welcomed certain recommendations, others raised concerns about the overall approach and conclusions of the report.
Ella Morgan, who transitioned at a young age and rose to fame on a reality TV show, highlighted the changing landscape of transitioning for transgender individuals. She noted that when she started hormones at 17, the process was relatively straightforward and less burdened by barriers and judgment compared to the present day.
Morgan emphasized the importance of allowing trans youth to have agency and autonomy in their healthcare decisions. She expressed concerns about the potential implications of limiting choices for young transgender individuals and stressed the need for policymakers to consult directly with those affected by their decisions.
One of the recommendations of the Cass Review that Morgan supported was the call for individualised care tailored to each person’s specific needs. However, she cautioned against imposing restrictions or barriers that could prevent trans youth from accessing necessary medical interventions.
The implementation of the Cass Review’s recommendations has raised concerns among some experts and activists, including Dr Aiden Kelly, a clinical psychologist. There are fears that the changes proposed in the report may not be fully realized or may not adequately address the needs of transgender individuals.
In conclusion, Ella Morgan’s critique of the Cass Review highlights the importance of listening to and centering the voices of transgender individuals in discussions about their healthcare. As policymakers consider how to move forward with the recommendations of the report, it is essential that they engage directly with those most affected by these decisions to ensure that they are inclusive, respectful, and responsive to the diverse needs of the transgender community.
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