2024-08-23 11:53:19
In May, we reported that the government had introduced an emergency 3-month ban on puberty-blockerrs that took effect in June. A subsequent judicial review challenge was unsuccessful.
The ban relates to the sale or supply of these drugs, prescribed by private UK-registered prescribers for gender incongruence or dysphoria to under 18s not already taking them. It also prevents the sale and supply of the medicines from prescribers registered in the European Economic Area or Switzerland for any purposes to those under 18.
The government has now made the the Medicines (Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone Analogues) (Emergency Prohibition) (Extension) Order 2024, which has the effect of extending the ban, which was due to expire soon. The ban will now expire on 26 November, 2024 unless further extended. The Secretary of State has expressed an intention to make the ban permanent, but can only do this by following a procedure set out in the Medicines Act 1968, including a formal consultation.
The government has also extended the order to cover Northern Ireland, following agreement from the Northern Ireland Executive, to come into effect from the 27 August 2024.