Court of Appeal Pauses Hormone Therapy for Trans Teen in Landmark Ruling

Judges emphasize judicial oversight in gender treatment cases, citing safety concerns and evolving medical guidance.

The Court of Appeal has ruled that a 16-year-old, referred to as Q, cannot proceed with cross-sex hormone therapy until turning 18 or further court approval.
The decision overturns an earlier High Court ruling and highlights the need for judicial scrutiny in cases involving irreversible medical treatments for minors.
The ruling references findings from the Cass Review, which questioned the evidence supporting hormone treatments for children and recommended stricter oversight.
The case arose from a dispute between Q's divorced parents, with the mother opposing the treatment and the father supporting Q's decision to transition.
Advocacy groups and legal experts view the ruling as a significant step toward safeguarding children in medical transitions, especially in private healthcare settings.