Dear Secretary of State,
We are writing to express our deep concern regarding your recent proposal to extend indefinitely the ban on puberty blockers for young transgender people.
One of our core values at the Student Christian Movement is Celebrating Diversity, and we believe that all people, including trans people, are "fearfully and wonderfully made" by God. We are stronger and better as a society for having trans folk in our communities, and we believe the current ban on puberty blockers for trans young people harms an already disadvantaged minority.
You have said you are determined to improve the quality of, and access to, care for trans people. We don’t believe that banning puberty blockers indefinitely will do this. These medications, when administered under strict medical supervision, have been shown to provide a critical window for these individuals to explore their gender identity in a supportive environment, free from the distress associated with the onset of puberty. According to the testimony of well-qualified doctors in the Doe v Ladapo case in Florida, “denial of this treatment will cause needless suffering for a substantial number of patients and will increase anxiety, depression, and the risk of suicide.” 1
Numerous studies and medical professionals affirm that puberty blockers can significantly improve the mental health and overall quality of life for transgender youth. A study by Diana M. Tordoff, MPH, out of the University of Washington, found that “access to gender-affirming care was associated with mitigation of mental health disparities among trans and nonbinary youths over 1 year.” 2 Furthermore, these medications are reversible, allowing for a considered and deliberate approach to any future medical interventions. Extending the ban on puberty blockers could inadvertently harm the very individuals it aims to protect by denying them access to a medically endorsed treatment that can offer profound psychological relief.
We believe that banning trans young people from accessing puberty blockers is also in contradiction with the Labour Party's 2024 General Election Manifesto where you claimed that all people should be treated with "respect and dignity". Blocking trans young people from being able to access gender affirming care harms their dignity and does not treat them with respect, as it politicises their care and stops them from being their true selves.
It is crucial to rely on the guidance of medical experts and the lived experiences of transgender individuals when shaping policies that impact their lives. We implore you to listen to, and consult with, trans people on this issue, and not to be swayed by fearmongering. We urge you to reconsider this proposal and to engage in a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence and expert opinions on the matter.
Along with organisations like LGBT+ Labour, we also ask that you urgently set out the timeline, scope, and nature of the planned clinical trial and that you give reassurance to young trans people, their families and communities.3
Ensuring that transgender and gender diverse young people have access to appropriate medical care is vital for their well-being and development, and we implore you to attend to this as a matter of urgency.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
On behalf of the Student Christian Movement,
Abigail Hollingsworth, Chair of Trustees & The Revd Naomi Nixon, CEO.