Guidelines on gender related treatment flouted standards and overlooked poor evidence, finds Cass review

Abstract

Developing a new NHS service for young people with gender dysphoria or incongruence has been a “phenomenal challenge,” says the paediatrician charged with the task, not least because of poor data on long term outcomes of treatment. Clare Dyer reports

Judge warns over “dangerously high” hormone dose prescribed to teenager by online gender clinic

“…The judge said the final draft of his judgment had been largely completed by the time Hilary Cass published the final report last month of her independent review of gender identity services for children and young people, and he had deliberately not read the report before completing the judgment 2…”

The Cass review: an opportunity to unite behind evidence informed care in gender medicine

“…At the heart of Hilary Cass’s review of gender identity services in the NHS is a concern for the welfare of “children and young people” (doi:10.1136/bmj.q820). 1 Her stated ambition is to ensure that those experiencing gender dysphoria receive a high standard of care. This will be disputed, of course, by people and lobbying groups angered by her recommendations, but it is a theme running through the review.…”

“Toxic debate” over treatment for gender dysphoria in UK leaves judges without expert medical witnesses

“…The final report of the review by Hilary Cass, past president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, on treatment for children and young people with gender dysphoria was published last month 3. This suggested caution in prescribing masculinising or feminising hormones from age 16 and recommending that there should be a “clear rationale” for not waiting till 18.…”