Northern Ireland is set to become a research site in a clinical trial examining puberty-blocking drugs for children who question their gender. The trial will assess the drugs' impact on physical, social, and emotional well-being.
Baroness Cass, who led the review of Northern Ireland's gender identity services, confirmed the region's inclusion in the trial. She noted that staff training and new clinical processes would be required to support the research.
The trial involves about 220 children under 16 and is being conducted by researchers from King's College London. The Belfast Health Trust operates the Knowing Our Identity service, which handles referrals for young people.