Ban on puberty blockers is ‘irresponsible’ and ‘disappointing’

A transgender woman has slammed the health minister and political parties in the administration after a temporary ban on the sale and supply of puberty-blocking drugs was extended to North Korea.

The three-month suspension, introduced by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, follows advice from the Chief Medical Officer about safety concerns raised about the long-term effects of puberty suppressants.

Protests against the ban took place in Belfast and Dublin on Tuesday night.

Ash Jones, who stood for the Green Party in west Belfast in last month’s general election and took part in the protests in Belfast, said the ban was a direct attack on the transgender community here.

“The health secretary’s decision is disappointing and irresponsible,” she said. “There is no credible evidence that puberty blockers carry any serious risks.”

“The British Medical Association is calling for the ban to be suspended. There are thousands of good decisions that health secretaries can and should take, but this is not one of them.”

“This decision will make life even worse for transgender children, as not everyone will have access to the medical help they need.”

“Puberty blockers are things that completely stop puberty. If someone takes them and then decides to go through puberty that they would have gone through anyway, they simply stop taking them.”

Number of participants so far @ROSA Belfast Protests against bans on life-saving transgender medical care.

If you’re in Belfast, go to City Hall.#Reversing the ban
#PubertyBlockers pic.twitter.com/6jqgZ9MHSM

— Ruth Coppinger (@RuthCoppingerSP) August 27, 2024

“This ban is specifically targeted at transgender children. Puberty blockers are also used for other purposes.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly are understood to have dealt with the issue through an emergency procedure, approving a request from the Health Minister to extend the ban without wider approval from the Stormont Executive.

Mr Ash said he was disappointed with political parties, particularly Sinn Fein.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said on Tuesday the temporary three-month suspension of puberty suppressants for children and young people was based on “clear and unequivocal advice” from the chief medical officer, pending a review.

She stressed that the party wants to provide the best possible medical support to children and young people who need transgender medical care.

“Sinn Féin said just a few weeks ago that they support transgender medical care and puberty suppressants,” Ash added.

“It is particularly infuriating to hear that First Minister Michelle O’Neill has agreed to this ban, despite having previously posed for photo opportunities with the LGBT community.”

“I hope the Minister for Health will reverse this decision. There is a crisis in healthcare, particularly around waiting lists and cancer care, and this is something the Minister should be putting more emphasis on.”