**Health**
## NHS England Halts New Cross-Sex Hormone Prescriptions for Under-18s Amidst Clinical Review
**LONDON, UK** – NHS England has announced a significant shift in its approach to gender-affirming care for minors, confirming a pause on the initiation of new prescriptions for cross-sex hormones for individuals under the age of 18. The health service assures that young people currently receiving these medications will continue their prescribed treatment.
This decisive move comes as part of a broader re-evaluation of gender identity services for children and young people, following recommendations from Dr. Hilary Cass’s independent review and a heightened focus on ensuring safe and evidence-based care within the NHS.
Cross-sex hormones, also known as gender-affirming hormones, are medications designed to induce physical changes consistent with an individual’s affirmed gender, such as breast development for trans women or voice deepening for trans men. The decision means that new referrals to specialist gender identity services for under-18s will now focus on a comprehensive, holistic assessment model, prioritizing mental health support and exploration of identity before considering medical interventions.
The updated guidance underscores a more cautious approach, emphasizing that medical interventions for gender dysphoria in minors should only proceed after thorough psychological assessment and consideration of all available evidence. This reflects a growing consensus that complex cases require an individualized pathway that may not always involve immediate hormonal treatment.
NHS England stated its unwavering commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of young people’s long-term health and well-being. Services will continue to adapt to reflect the latest clinical evidence and best practice. Further details on the evolving model of care for gender identity services for children and young people are expected to be outlined by NHS England in due course.
