Richard recently made clear to the Health Secretary in his contribution in the House of Commons that we a need a proper process of accountability in the NHS with clear consequences where warranted, not just a “lessons learned” approach to the findings in the Cass Review. Richard's question and the Health Secretary's reply can be watched at https://youtu.be/hAMCaWq3dJQ?si=G5IreKAWQeg-qLo_
Commenting on the Review, Richard Fuller MP said:
The recently released Cass Review has revealed concerning aspects of NHS services for children who may be experiencing gender dysphoria.
In various domains of children’s healthcare, meticulous attention is given to established protocols for good reason. However, when addressing gender-related concerns in children, some of those entrusted with their health and wellbeing appear to have departed from these standards in favour of an ideological approach.
The evidence surrounding the use of puberty blockers is “wholly inadequate” according to the report and yet thousands of children have been sent down this pathway. Shockingly, we heard that many clinics had not cooperated with Dr Cass in her review of their actions, even as she worked fairly and courageously to identify what went wrong and what was needed to ensure safe, effective and evidence led treatments.
The proposed legislation to ban conversion therapy for individuals identifying as trans needs re-evaluation in light of these findings. Dr Cass's recommendations for a comprehensive approach and stricter criteria before medical intervention require serious consideration.
We must prioritise the holistic well-being of all children, ensuring that their concerns are thoroughly explored. It’s time to move away from harmful adherence to gender ideology where no other factors have been investigated and towards a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of the needs of children and transgender youth.
