Children would be barred from accessing irreversible cross-sex hormones under new plan by Liz Truss
CHILDREN would be barred from accessing irreversible cross-sex hormones under a new plan by Liz Truss.
Young people need to be better protected from making changes to their bodies that they will later regret, the former Prime Minister says.
Currently, teenagers from the age of 16 may be given the hormones to help them change gender but only after they have been on puberty blockers for a year.
Cross-sex hormones can cause irreversible changes such as breast development, a deeper voice and even infertility, the NHS says.
Under Ms Truss’ plan, teens would not be able to access hormone treatment until they reach 18.
The South West Norfolk MP will present her plan for the Bill to the Commons on Wednesday.
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It will also prevent the state from formally recognising under-18s social transitioning and protect single-sex spaces.
A source said: “These aren’t party political issues and Liz hopes for cross-party support.”
A government spokesperson said: “The NHS is consulting to restrict the prescribing of puberty blockers.”