European Nations Cut Youth Gender Treatment Prescriptions by Over 80% Amid Safety and Evidence Concerns

A significant policy shift is underway across Europe, as several nations are drastically curtailing access to medical interventions for gender dysphoria in minors. This move stems from mounting concerns over the limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of such treatments and the potential for long-term adverse effects on young patients. Denmark, for instance, saw a dramatic reduction in endocrine prescriptions for youth, with the share of referred minors receiving hormones falling from 67% in 2018 to just 10% in 2022.

The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) recently restricted puberty blockers to research-only settings following the comprehensive Cass Review. This independent review concluded that the evidence base for these treatments was "built on shaky foundations," highlighting significant uncertainties regarding their impact on cognitive and psychosexual development. The review emphasized that "for most young people, a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress."

Similarly, Finland's health agency recommended psychotherapy as the primary treatment for adolescents with gender dysphoria in 2020, while Sweden followed suit in 2022, limiting hormone treatments to "exceptional cases." Norway has also designated youth gender medicine as a "treatment under trial," and Denmark is finalizing new guidelines to further restrict hormone access. These nations are prioritizing psychosocial support and thorough assessment due to the "very low certainty" of evidence regarding the psychological and long-term health benefits of medical interventions.

The policy reversals are also driven by concerns over potential physiological impacts. The European Academy of Paediatrics stated that the "fundamental question of whether biomedical treatments (including hormone therapy) for gender dysphoria are effective remains contested." These restrictions stem from concerns over "limited evidence of effectiveness and the substantial permanent harm they can cause to the affected children," as stated in a recent social media post by AG. Potential harms include irreversible effects on fertility, bone density, and other physiological consequences.

This evolving approach contrasts with some practices in other regions, particularly the United States, where outright bans on youth gender treatments have been enacted in some states. European health authorities, however, are focusing on evidence-based care and the "child's right to an open future," advocating for comprehensive, individualized care pathways. Advocacy groups in Europe have expressed concern that these changes could infringe on civil rights and exacerbate challenges within already overstretched health systems.