Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender
Children as young as 12 prescribed gender transition hormones by a rogue GP practice. Why did the authorities allow it to go on for years despite knowing it was happening? DR LOUISE IRVINE JUNE 21, 2026 The result of the year long investigation into the Brighton WellBN GP practice was reported last week. Hannah Barnes […]
BMA critique vindicates Cass review but questions government “overreach” – what the BMA got right and what they are still getting wrong On 6th May 2026, the BMJ published a news article about the BMA critique of the Cass Review with the title, ‘Puberty blockers: BMA critique vindicates Cass review but questions government “overreach”’ (1). Journalist […]
Prompted by the MHRA decision to pause and review the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial, CAN-SG wrote to the MHRA detailing concerns and providing further information regarding safety issues. The CAN-SG letter argues that the trial lacks a justified risk-benefit balance, posing ethical challenges.
We’re collecting signatures from clinicians for this open letter. Please add your name here: Sign the letter to Wes Streeting Mr Wes StreetingSecretary of State for Health and Social Care Copied to Dr Hilary Cass 3 December 2025 Dear Mr Streeting, We are writing as a group of clinicians, academics and researchers, many of whom […]
Senior managers in UK universities are urged to foster healthier academic cultures regarding discussions on sex and gender, following concerns raised during a CAN-SG webinar. Experts highlighted the oppressive climate faced by academics, with significant repercussions for those challenging gender ideologies. Solutions proposed include restoring academic autonomy, prioritizing truth, and implementing consequences for disruptive activism, ensuring diverse viewpoints are protected.
NHS England are currently consulting on a draft service specification for the new youth gender clinics set up in response to the Cass Review. The deadline is 2 November. A service specification is important because it sets out what a service should provide and eligibility for access to the service. It is meant to be […]
A free online webinar on October 28, 2025, discusses obstacles faced by researchers in sex and gender due to pressures on academic freedom. Panelists, including experts in medicine, sociology, psychology, and philosophy, will share experiences and explore solutions.
This was the central question that experts debated at a special CAN-SG webinar earlier this week (16th Sept) and their answer was a resounding ‘no’. They agreed that the government’s plan to run a clinical trial on children with gender distress to determine whether puberty blockers (PBs) are safe raises too many ethical and methodological problems […]
The webinar on September 16, 2025, focuses on the ethics and challenges of a clinical trial for puberty blockers in children referred to youth gender clinics. Experts will discuss ideas about alternative research methods that could better improve care for children and young people with gender related distress.
Rachel Cashman highlights the severe conflict of interest in the NHS Sussex investigation into inappropriate prescribing practices for minors. She argues for an independent inquiry, citing previous failures in safeguarding and leadership within NHS governing bodies. The urgency lies in restoring public trust and ensuring child safety over ideological conflicts.
Maia Poet, a 26-year-old independent writer, examines the relationship between autism and gender dysphoria, arguing it often reflects untreated neurodevelopmental distress. During her speech at the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Maia explores the metaphor of being “born in the wrong body” and the feelings of disembodiment many neurodiverse young people experience. She argues that the diagnosis of gender dysphoria may overlook the true needs of neurodiverse youth, and advocates a psycho-social approach instead of medical intervention.
It’s good to hear that there will be a review of private prescribing of cross sex hormones for under 18s, but what is long overdue is a review of prescribing to under 18s within the NHS. It is scandalous that the current NHS policy to prescribe these has not been updated since the Cass Review finding of no good quality evidence of benefit, as well as increasing concerns about irreversible and harmful long term effects.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 will have a significant influence on healthcare policy in the UK. The judgment defined “man,” “woman,” and “sex” in legal terms as referring to biological sex, prompting NHS organisations to revisit their policies, particularly regarding same-sex accommodation and patient care. The government is expected to publish accompanying guidance to align practices with these legal clarifications.
On May 1, the US Department of Health and Human Services released “Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices,” which was commissioned by a Trump administration Executive Order. This comprehensive review assesses current evidence on treating paediatric gender dysphoria, emphasizing the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to children’s and adolescents’ needs. It highlights the risks of paediatric medical transitions, questioning their benefits and critiquing the “gender-affirming” model of care used in the US. The review also discusses ethical considerations, advocating for psychotherapy as a safer alternative. It aims to inform policymakers, clinicians, and families amid growing international concern about paediatric medical transitions.
The National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) is funding the PATHWAYS trial on puberty blockers for children with gender incongruence, pending ethical approval. CAN-SG opposes the trial, citing serious ethical concerns, including unclear benefits and potential harms such as injury to fertility and cognitive development. The UK regulations mandate a trial only if its benefits outweigh its risks and emphasize the protection of vulnerable groups. CAN-SG argues that more research is needed on psychosocial interventions before considering puberty blockers, aligning with recommendations from the Cass Review. CAN-SG has written to the trialists, the oversight board and the regulators to express concerns, seeking proper ethical oversight.
On March 6, 2025, the Clinical Advisory Group on Sex and Gender (CAN-SG) hosted a panel to review the progress following Dr. Hilary Cass’s 2024 review of gender identity services for children. The Cass Review highlighted the weak evidence supporting medical interventions for gender dysphoria and emphasised psychological therapy as the preferred management approach. Hannah Barnes discussed the history and closure of the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), pointing out missed opportunities and the lack of meaningful patient data. Other panelists emphasised the need for psychotherapy, addressing misinformation, and ensuring ethical considerations in treatment pathways for young patients, while acknowledging the challenges of implementing the Review’s recommendations.
This article by Dr David Bell and Dr Sinead Helyar examines concerns regarding a proposed clinical trial of puberty blockers (PBs) for children with gender dysphoria. It argues that a PB trial would pose unacceptable risks and contravene ethical standards. The authors advocate alternative avenues for research and safer treatment methods for this vulnerable group of children.