Giving sex-swap drugs to gender-confused 16 and 17-year-olds on the NHS has been put on hold pending the outcome of a consultation. An in-depth study into the use of cross-sex hormones with teenagers found that available evidence does not support the practice. A 90-day consultation on the new policy has been launched, alongside a review of the evidence on the hormone treatments for adults. Those already receiving cross-sex hormones will continue to do so, but their cases will be reviewed. The treatment was banned for under-16s following the 2024 Cass Review which also led to a puberty blocker ban.

Source: The Guardian March 12, 2026 14:36 UTC