Wes Streeting defends ban on puberty blockers for children

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has defended the government's continued ban on puberty blockers for children who identify as transgender.

Speaking at the NHS LGBTQ+ Health Conference, Streeting addressed strong criticism from trans activists and some NHS staff but insisted the ban is necessary to protect vulnerable young people from irreversible harm.

He called the decision “truly uncomfortable” but “ultimately right” based on clinical advice and medical evidence.

The ban follows the Cass Review, an independent NHS report that found “weak evidence” supporting the use of puberty blockers in under-18s.

“It has not sat easily with me at all,” Streeting said, “that there are young people who describe to me how they feel about not being able to access puberty blockers.”

Currently, puberty blockers can only be accessed through a new NHS clinical trial, which has yet to begin due to ethical and governance delays.

Streeting acknowledged the frustration, but affirmed the need for a cautious, evidence-based approach.

Streeting announced a wider review into LGBTQ+ health inequalities but stopped short of reversing the ban, saying he had met with affected families and understood the pain involved.

Still, critics from within the trans movement claim the decision could contribute to mental health challenges.

While acknowledging the suffering of those experiencing gender dysphoria, CARE continues to urge for compassion grounded in truth — encouraging care that helps young people embrace their God-given identity, rather than pursuing medical interventions with unknown long-term consequences.

The ban remains in place until the NHS trial officially begins.