“I believe we need careful, clinical provision and to move away from all of this politicisation of healthcare for our trans community.”
Kate Osborne MP
Kate Osborne MP has released the following statement on puberty blockers after discussions with MPs, constituents and groups over last 2 days
I’ve been contacted by many constituents and advice groups this week about the ban on puberty blockers.
I understand that civil servants made submissions to the previous Government warning of the risks to vulnerable young people if a ban was implemented.
The Cass review recommended caution not exclusion, for any treatment.
There are a small number of young people who are prescribed puberty blockers each year, based on a narrow set of guidelines, and whilst I haven’t seen all of the reports I have seen enough to believe that puberty blockers should be considered on a case-by-case basis where the treatment is the right one for the individual child.
I believe we need careful, clinical provision and to move away from all of this politicisation of healthcare for our trans community.
I am very concerned at reports that if the outcome of the court case this week goes against the Government other ways to introduce the ban will be explored.
I believe we should be looking at all the issues that have been raised in this legal action.
I agree with LGBT Labours call for steps to be taken to cut waiting lists for trans youth, address long-term staffing issues, move towards a decentralised, equitable system for accessing care (including through the provision of regional centres), provide comprehensive training for NHS staff on how best to support and work sensitively with trans and questioning young people, and better address the current toxicity of public debate which is actively harmful to young people.
I’ve asked the Secretary of State for Health for a meeting to discuss these and other concerns around these issues.
- Kate Osborne is the MP for Jarrow and a regular contributor to Labour Outlook. You can follow her on Facebook, Twitter/X and Instagram.
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