According to the NHS, gender identity clinics will no longer be prescribing puberty blockers to children.

‍

The decision is a result of a spike in children under the age of 18 being referred to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) which is run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

‍

Puberty blockers are normally used to halt physical bodily changes that occur during puberty.

‍

Such changes include the development of breasts, facial hair, and voice changes.

‍

The blockers will now only be available to under 18s for clinical research trials.

‍

The government described the change as a "landmark decision" which would ensure that given care would be in the "best interest of the child".

‍

After a sharp increase in gender identity referrals for under 18s, an independent review was launched on the matter in 2020.

‍

The GIDS, which is run by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, is set to close at the end of the month after a tirade of public criticism.

‍

Between 2021 and 2022, more than 5,000 child referrals were made to GIDS, which is a stark contrast to the 250 referrals made ten years prior.

‍

Although the current base for the GIDS is set to close, Dr Hilary Cass, who led the independent review, suggested it would be beneficial to have regional gender identity specialists available to better support children.