To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care if he will make a statement on the decision to proceed with the PATHWAYS study into puberty suppression for children with gender incongruence after its pause earlier this year

Urgent matter raised by an MP

A Conservative MP is demanding the Health Secretary explain the decision to resume the PATHWAYS research study on puberty-suppressing drugs for children experiencing gender incongruence, after the study was paused earlier in 2026. The study examines the safety and effectiveness of puberty blockers in young people, a clinically and politically contentious area. The urgent question seeks clarity on what changed to justify restarting research that was previously halted.

This touches on a high-profile tension between clinical evidence, safeguarding concerns, and medical access for transgender youth. The decision to resume or continue pausing the study will influence NHS guidance on gender-affirming care for minors and affects how doctors and parents make treatment decisions. The political temperature around this issue remains high, with different parties holding sharply different views on the appropriate role of puberty blockers in adolescent care.

Health & NHS Education

Urgent questions draw responses from across the House — any MP may participate, so we don't show a predicted interest list.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care if he will make a statement on the decision to proceed with the PATHWAYS study into puberty suppression for children with gender incongruence after its pause earlier this year

Related business

Upcoming similar business

Past similar business

Upcoming on related topics

Past on related topics