Pause of puberty blockers trial and the potential merits of its full cancellation
Tabled 23 February 2026 by Carla Lockhart
That this House welcomes the decision of the Government to pause the proposed clinical trial involving puberty blockers for children and young people; recognises the significant public concern expressed across the UK regarding the safety, ethics and long-term consequences of administering such interventions to minors; notes the serious questions raised about informed consent, the potential for irreversible physical and psychological effects and the adequacy of the clinical evidence underpinning such interventions; commends the courage of campaigners, including Keira Bell and James Esses, as well as many families and individuals who have spoken out about their experiences and concerns; further acknowledges the strength of feeling expressed by constituents across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK; and calls on the Government, not merely to pause, but to cancel the puberty blockers trial in its entirety, ensuring that safeguarding, rigorous scientific evidence and the principle of doing no harm remain paramount in all healthcare decisions affecting children.