Letter to UK health secretary Wes Streeting on the banning of puberty blockers

Dear Wes

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent decision to ban access to puberty blockers for children—a move that is both a grave injustice and a troubling perpetuation of the culture wars established by the previous government. 

Puberty blockers are not new; they have long been used to treat precocious puberty, endometriosis, and certain types of cancer. Their use extends beyond trans healthcare, making this policy even more perplexing. Puberty blockers were introduced into trans healthcare not as a gateway to medical transitioning but because trans adults recognised the potential benefits they might have had in their own lives.  

It is difficult to understand why these drugs are considered safe for other medical conditions but deemed dangerous only for trans youth. We must also avoid overstating their use. Trans individuals make up less than 1% of the population, and research shows that approximately 97% of trans people who medically transition do not regret their decision. This highlights the importance of access to supportive medical care. 

This issue extends beyond healthcare—it affects education too. Trans youth already face significant challenges in an education system that often struggles to accommodate those who do not fit traditional norms. Denying access to puberty blockers worsens these challenges, risking severe mental health consequences and disrupting their education. As a union supporting post-16 education, we know that delaying puberty can be life-changing for trans teens, enabling them to focus on personal growth, learning, and well-being. 

I must ask: Are you comfortable with the government intervening in medical decisions best left to doctors and their patients? As the Secretary of State for Health, it is not your role to override the professional judgment of the medical community. Such decisions must be guided by medical expertise, not political agendas. If government interference begins here, where does it end? Will other vulnerable groups face similar restrictions on their care? 

Union leaders like me will not stand by while the rights of vulnerable young people are undermined. We will continue advocating for trans youth's access to essential healthcare and for healthcare professionals to provide care without political interference. 

I urge you to reconsider this harmful policy, engage with medical professionals and affected communities, and prioritise children's welfare. If the government is committed to the values of the NHS and the well-being of all its citizens, it must reverse this decision and ensure every child has access to the care and support they need.

Jo Grady
UCU general secretary