As providers of gender-affirming primary care, we wish to share our perspective regarding the recent emergency action that restricts the prescription of Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone analogues (GNRHa) to young transgender individuals under 18 in specific situations.
We are concerned that these measures appear to single out transgender youth, especially since the same medications remain available for use by young people who are not transgender.
We also believe in respect for bodily autonomy and the reproductive rights of all young people, and support an informed consent model of care .
The emergency legislation permits NHS providers to assume responsibility for prescriptions initiated by private providers before June 3rd, 2024. We have already been, and will continue to be, following this process because we believe that not all private providers are able to offer the same level of care and monitoring for their patients, and some may no longer be able to provide ongoing prescriptions.
For further information, please get in touch with the Trans Health Hub at sxicb-bh.transhealthhub@nhs.net.