Review Debunks Claims Linking Puberty Blocker Restrictions to Rise in Suicides, Criticizes Online Discourse

Review reveals that assertions linking increased suicide rates to restrictions on puberty blockers lack empirical evidence, according to findings by the Department for Health and Social Care. The report also condemns the conversation surrounding this issue on social media, describing it as "insensitive, distressing, and dangerous."

Friday, July 19, 2024, 9:

A review has found that there is no data to support activists' assertions of an increase in suicides following the imposition of limitations on puberty blockers.

A document released by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) highlighted that online conversations about the topic were "insensitive, distressing, and hazardous," and contravened guidelines for responsibly reporting on suicide.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting, a proponent of the existing interim prohibition on puberty blockers, has commissioned independent consultant Professor Louis Appleby to analyze NHS England data concerning suicides among young clients previously treated at the now-defunct Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

Professor Appleby, who leads the National Suicide Prevention Strategy Advisory Group, conducted a review following assertions by activists that the prohibition on puberty blockers, drugs that halt puberty-related physical developments like breast growth and facial hair, has endangered the lives of young transgender individuals.

Professor Appleby's assessment also mentioned allegations of a significant increase in deaths after a 2020 High Court decision limited access to puberty blockers, along with numerous predictions of future fatalities among children who cannot obtain these medications.

He stated that the allegation was reportedly founded on confidential information given by two employees at the Tavistock, who were referred to as whistleblowers.

He determined that the data provided by NHS England, which originated from a Tavistock internal review of deaths among current and past GIDS patients between 2018 and 2024, did not support the assertion.

He reported that over a span of six years, there were a dozen suicides, with equal numbers occurring among those younger than 18 and those 18 and older.

From 2020 to 2021, the number of suicides increased from five in the previous three years to seven in the following three-year period.

Professor Appleby stated, "The patients who passed away were at various stages within the care system, some even after being discharged, indicating that there isn't a direct correlation to any specific part of the care provided. They possessed several social and clinical risk factors for suicide."

"Nonetheless, it appears that there has been an upward trend over an extended duration, as more young individuals experiencing gender dysphoria have sought help, leading to an increase in referrals to the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS)."

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The document highlighted that the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) experienced a significant surge in young people being referred to them, with the figures rising to over 5,000 in the 2021-22 period, up from nearly 250 ten years prior

In 2022, it was announced by the NHS that its gender identity clinic for minors at the Tavistock would be phased out. The facility ceased operations at the close of March this year, and two new regional centers in London and the North West have been established as replacements.

The decision by the health service was based on the preliminary results from a review conducted by Dr. Hilary Cass.

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In her concluding report released in April, Dr. Cass determined that there was "exceptionally poor evidence" backing the use of gender interventions for children.

The pediatric specialist voiced concerns about the existing framework for gender identity services aimed at minors and adolescents, proposing a total of 32 amendments. Among these, it was suggested that gender-focused services should adhere to the same quality criteria as other pediatric health services. Additionally, the specialist called for an immediate reassessment of the policies that allow minors starting from age 16 to receive hormone treatments such as testosterone or estrogen.

In March, NHS England announced a new policy halting the prescription of puberty blockers at gender identity clinics for children, unless they are enrolled in clinical research studies.

Two months after the initial announcement, Victoria Atkins, who previously served as the health secretary, exercised her authority under the Medicines Act of 1968 to prevent private and European entities from administering puberty blockers to individuals under 18 for the purpose of treating gender dysphoria or supporting gender transition.

In his analysis, Professor Appleby expressed concern that conversations on social media could lead young individuals and their families to fear that suicide is unavoidable without the use of puberty blockers, as evidenced by some reactions online.

He stated that the allegations did not satisfy the "fundamental criteria for statistical proof," and emphasized that "to be considered credible, evidence must be impartial, objective, and subject to independent verification."

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He contended that the use of puberty blockers has become a pivotal issue, marking the line between acceptance and rejection—a situation he deemed regrettable.

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care emphasized that decisions regarding children's healthcare should always be based on solid evidence. They also stated that the government is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive care for children exploring their gender identity, guided by specialists in the field.

"They emphasized the importance of addressing this topic with sensitivity and care in the public discourse."

Individuals experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts can seek assistance by contacting Samaritans in the UK at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org. In the US, individuals can reach out to their local Samaritans branch or dial 1 (800) 273-TALK for support.

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