The National Health Service in England is expected to announce a pause on prescribing puberty blockers to transgender-identifying children and adolescents under the age of 18, according to reports.

The policy change would specifically affect the prescription of hormones including oestrogen and testosterone to 16 and 17-year-olds, who currently can access these treatments under certain circumstances.

The timing of the announcement could come as early as this week, though NHS officials have not confirmed specific details about the scope or duration of any suspension.

This development follows ongoing reviews of gender identity services for young people in the UK. The NHS has been reassessing its approach to treating gender dysphoria in minors amid debates about the long-term effects and appropriate age for such interventions.

The reported policy shift would represent a significant change in how the NHS approaches gender-affirming care for adolescents, potentially affecting families currently accessing or seeking such treatments through the health service.