A permanent ban on the sale or supply of puberty blockers to under-18s is to come into effect in Northern Ireland. Puberty blockers work by suppressing the release of hormones and can be prescribed to children questioning their gender.

The ban appears to apply only to trans kids using blockers to treat gender dysphoria; cisgender kids experiencing precocious puberty will still be able to access the treatment.

Puberty blockers for those diagnosed for gender dysphoria have been banned in Northern Ireland for the foreseeable future.

The Northern Ireland Executive has agreed to an indefinite ban on puberty blockers for people under the age of 18.

The North's Health Minister also said young people in the region will have ‘equitable access’ to NHS trials to determine the safety of the drugs.

A coalition representing a number of LGBTQIA+ charities in Northern Ireland have hit out at The Executive's decision to indefinitely extend the ban on puberty blockers for those experiencing gender dysphoria.

A freeze placed this year on their use to treat gender dysphoria will remain in place for young people under 18, except in clinical trials, Britain’s government said.

The decision, which will be revisited in 2027, effectively bans a common approach to medical gender transitions for youths.

Puberty blockers are to be permanently banned in Northern Ireland to block attempts by trans activists to “exploit a loophole”.

Puberty blockers will be permanently banned in Northern Ireland to avoid a “back door” supply loophole. Members of the devolved government are understood to have voted unanimously to solidify a temporary ban on the drugs to keep it in line with the rest of the UK.