Dr. Hilary Cass, a retired consultant paediatrician, has recently been at the forefront of a major review concerning NHS gender identity services for young people. The review, initiated by NHS England, highlighted serious concerns about the use of treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone prescriptions for minors, citing a lack of solid evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness.

Following the release of the Cass review in April 2024, concerns have been raised regarding the long waiting times faced by transgender teenagers, such as 17-year-old Chase, who has been awaiting support since 2020. These individuals, often placed on lengthy waiting lists, now face the transition to adult services without receiving the intended support during their critical teenage years.

Dr. Cass has criticized the spread of misinformation about the review, especially through online platforms. She clarified that her report examined 103 scientific papers and made a considerable effort to provide a balanced analysis of the available data on gender medicine for young people. Dr. Cass emphasized the potential risks associated with gender-affirming treatments due to the scarcity of data on long-term outcomes, and the need for more comprehensive studies to better understand these impacts.

In addition to addressing these medical and procedural issues, Dr. Cass has voiced her concerns about the personal repercussions following the report’s publication. She reported receiving significant abuse, including “vile emails,” and other forms of harassment, compelling her to avoid public transport on security advice.

The Cass review proposes 32 recommendations aimed at improving care and support for young people exploring gender identity treatments, including mental health assessments and screenings for neurodevelopmental conditions. It underscores the evolving landscape of gender care in the UK and the urgent necessity to furnish evidence-based healthcare decisions, ensuring the well-being of young individuals seeking such services.