Campaigners have launched a legal action aimed at suspending a new NHS-funded trial of puberty blockers, claiming the research could harm participating children. The Pathways trial, run by King’s College London, plans to recruit about 226 children aged 10 to 15 over three years.
The trial was commissioned following last year’s Cass review, which found gender medicine for minors relied on weak evidence. Participants will either receive puberty blockers immediately for two years or after a one-year delay.
Legal letters have been sent to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the Health Research Authority, the health secretary and NHS England. Campaigners, including Keira Bell—who detransitioned after taking puberty blockers as a teen—argue the trial risks fertility and may be unlawful given the limited benefits.
NHS officials and legal experts defend the trial, saying it has full regulatory approval, strict eligibility criteria and is necessary to build evidence to help young people with gender dysphoria make informed choices.
