Nine important findings from the Cass overview regarding female change

In 2009 the NHS’s gender identity ­development service ( Gids ) saw fewer than 50 children a year. Since therefore ­demand has increased a hundredfold, with more than 5, 000 seeking support in 2021- 22.

The implementation of a type of “gender-affirming” attention, which places children on a life-altering path of testosterone treatment, has contributed to the sudden increase. Despite a lack of proof over the long-term effects, resilient young people are clamouring for medical interventions to help them change sex.

In light of this circumstance, Dr. Hilary Cass was appointed in 2020 to study the state of the NHS service for transgender children. Her final report, published on Wednesday, delivers a scathing conviction on the health