UK health secretary takes aim at gender-affirming care for trans youth in Cass report response
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
The health secretary’s response to the findings of the Cass report has sparked controversy and concern within the transgender community and healthcare professionals. Victoria Atkins, a Conservative MP, made bold statements in parliament regarding gender-affirming care for trans young people, claiming that “fashionable cultural values” have overshadowed “evidence, safety, and biological reality” in policy debates.
Atkins’s remarks came after the release of the Cass report, commissioned by NHS England in 2020 to evaluate the model of care at England’s only trans youth gender clinic at the time. The report, which made 32 recommendations for restructuring trans youth healthcare, highlighted the need for regional hubs and a holistic approach to treatment.
During her speech in the House of Commons, Atkins praised the report for its potential to improve healthcare for trans youth, emphasizing the importance of compassionate and careful care. However, she also raised concerns about the significant increase in referrals to trans youth clinics, attributing it to a misguided belief that changing gender could solve feelings of unease or distress among young people grappling with identity issues.
Atkins’s claims seemed to contradict the Cass report’s findings, which stated that the rise in referrals was due to a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors unique to each individual. Additionally, she failed to acknowledge that the detransition rate among transgender individuals was less than one percent, highlighting the rarity of individuals regretting their decision to transition.
Despite this data, Atkins vowed to take action against clinicians who fail to adhere to new rules regarding gender-affirming care. Following a meeting with members of the General Medical Council, she threatened to crack down on prescribing practices and loopholes within the system, suggesting that legislative options were on the table.
Atkins specifically targeted clinicians attempting to bypass restrictions on prescribing puberty blockers, warning them that they could face serious consequences, including being struck off. While NHS England clinics are currently restricted from prescribing puberty blockers except through clinical trials, Atkins’s strong stance signaled a potential crackdown on any attempts to circumvent these regulations.
Overall, Atkins’s response to the Cass report has reignited the debate surrounding gender-affirming care for trans youth, with some praising her commitment to ensuring safe and evidence-based healthcare practices, while others raising concerns about the potential impact on transgender individuals seeking essential medical treatment. As discussions continue within parliament and the healthcare sector, the future of trans youth healthcare in the UK remains uncertain.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
gender-affirming care
