In a move that has sparked debates and protests both in the United States and within England, the National Health Service (NHS) announced on Tuesday that minors under the age of 18 will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers outside of regulated clinical trials. This decision comes after a review conducted by the NHS and former Prime Minister Liz Truss urging the British government to support a bill that would prohibit the private sale of these blockers.

The NHS also revealed its intention to conduct a study on the long-term effects of puberty blockers, with an expected completion date of December. The agency's concern centers around the lack of sufficient evidence supporting gender-affirming services for minors, as well as the significant increase in the number of minors seeking such treatment.

Statistics provided by the Gender Identity Development Service highlight the rapid growth in referrals, with 5,986 minors being referred from 2020 to 2022, compared to just over 500 from 2011 to 2013. This surge in demand has led to questions about the sustainability of services, as only one facility in the United Kingdom currently provides gender-affirming care.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has weighed in on the issue, labeling puberty blockers as "sterilization drugs" and suggesting that their ban is due to potential long-term negative effects. The NHS is not alone in its review of gender-affirming services, as several European health agencies have also initiated similar assessments due to the lack of supporting evidence for hormonal treatments in minors.

Dr. Hilary Cass, who authored the NHS review, expressed concerns about the limited evidence supporting gender-affirming services as the number of minors seeking access continues to rise. Additionally, Cass questioned the level of support provided to children by medical professionals if they choose not to undergo transitioning.

This decision in England follows similar actions taken in Sweden, where healthcare guidelines were updated to restrict minors' access to gender-affirming care. The Swedish healthcare agency deemed the evidence for "hormonal interventions" as of low quality, emphasizing potential risks associated with such treatments.

The controversial topic of gender-affirming care for minors has not only caused division within countries but has also led to debates in the United States. Despite opposition from reputable organizations like the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, several states have attempted to ban or restrict access to certain types of gender-affirming care for minors. Former President Donald Trump even declared his intention to prevent healthcare providers from offering gender-affirming care, referring to it as "child abuse" and "child sexual mutilation."

As the debate continues, it remains crucial for regulatory bodies and healthcare professionals to seek a balance between ensuring the well-being and autonomy of minors and addressing concerns about the long-term effects and efficacy of gender-affirming treatments.