Written question WQ98486

Puberty suppressing hormones are not banned in Wales, but their prescription is subject to restrictions.

Where clinically appropriate, puberty suppressing hormones can be prescribed for children in Wales who started treatment prior to the UK Government’s order restricting their prescribing other than through the NHS, and to children accessing NHS gender services, as part of the National Institute for Health Research study when it commences.

The regulations restricting the prescribing of puberty suppressing hormones by general practitioners in Wales were informed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s review, which concluded there is insufficient evidence to support the safety or clinical effectiveness of puberty suppressing hormones to make them routinely available other than through well designed clinical trials.

The regulations therefore, have due regard to children’s rights as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child by ensuring puberty suppressing hormones are only prescribed to children and young people in safe and effective circumstances.

Our priority is the safety of children and young people, and it is vital that all NHS services are led by the best available evidence. We will continue to be led by the evidence as we develop gender identity support for people in Wales.