Story perspectives

Controversial Puberty-Blocker Trial for Children Set to Begin

12/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says children cannot consent to participate in a puberty-blocker trial and must have informed assent plus parental consent.
He says the trial is uncomfortable but necessary based on clinical advice from the Cass Review.
Trial involves over 220 children with gender dysphoria and begins in January to address evidence gaps.
Critics, including MP Dr. Caroline Johnson, raise concerns about ethics of puberty blockers on healthy children.

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Story summary

Health Secretary Wes Streeting says children cannot consent to participate in a puberty-blocker trial and must have informed assent plus parental consent.
He says the trial is uncomfortable but necessary based on clinical advice from the Cass Review.
Trial involves over 220 children with gender dysphoria and begins in January to address evidence gaps.
Critics, including MP Dr. Caroline Johnson, raise concerns about ethics of puberty blockers on healthy children.