An independent report has found no evidence of a significant increase in youth suicides at a gender identity clinic in London. Claims to the contrary were made by campaigners following new restrictions on puberty-blocking drugs at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust in 2020. Professor Louis Appleby, a suicide researcher and psychiatry professor at the University of Manchester, was asked to assess data by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. Prof. Appleby found no support for the claims and urged social media users to show more sensitivity. The Good Law Project, which is challenging the decision to end prescription of puberty blockers by private clinics, has led the suicide claims via online reports.
Prof. Appleby noted that figures and claims did not meet statistical criteria and that the public discussion of suicide risks was inappropriate and could lead to copycat behaviour. The review covered the period from 2018-19 to 2023-24, and identified 12 suicides, with no significant increase before or after the restrictions were put in place. Of the patients who died, they were at divergent stages of treatment, indicating no consistent links to any one aspect of care. However, the researcher noted that there could be a longer-term rise in suicidal feelings as more young people with gender-identity issues come forward.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care commented that children’s healthcare decisions must always be based on sound evidence. In reference to the end of routine prescriptions for children with gender dysphoria, the NHS has emphasised its commitment to comprehensive, specialist treatment. More appropriate public discussion and communication of suicide risks has been called for, given the potential sensitivity of the issue for distressed young people in need of support and care
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