Mr. Nesbitt stated that young people in Northern Ireland will have “equitable access” to NHS clinical trials aimed at assessing the safety and effectiveness of these drugs.
The UK Department of Health and Social Care revealed on Wednesday that the Commission on Human Medicines had provided independent expert advice highlighting “an unacceptable safety risk” in continuing to prescribe puberty blockers to children. The commission recommended indefinite restrictions while further safety measures are developed.
Although health policy is a devolved matter, this ban will apply across the UK.
Addressing the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr. Nesbitt explained that the decision followed agreement with the power-sharing Executive. He stated:
“I am writing to inform members that an Executive agreement has been reached to progress legislative proposals for Northern Ireland. These proposals include implementing an indefinite UK-wide ban preventing new patients under 18 from starting puberty blockers for gender incongruence or dysphoria under the care of private prescribers.
“A temporary UK-wide ban on the sale and supply of puberty blockers expires on December 31. This ban applies to drugs prescribed by private UK-registered prescribers for gender incongruence or dysphoria in under-18s who are not already undergoing treatment. It also prohibits the sale and supply of these medicines by prescribers in the European Economic Area or Switzerland to under-18s for any purpose.
“Following recommendations from the Commission on Human Medicines, the intention is to replace the temporary restrictions with an indefinite ban, subject to review in 2027.”
Mr. Nesbitt confirmed that NHS clinical trials will assess the safety and effectiveness of puberty blockers, ensuring children in Northern Ireland can participate. He noted, “The findings of these trials will inform future policy decisions and the long-term position on this issue.”
He also emphasized the need to improve broader gender identity services in Northern Ireland, stating, “Investment in gender identity services is being considered through a business case. Despite financial challenges, I have instructed officials to prioritize the development of these services to provide appropriate support for individuals and their families.”