The Upper Bann MLA said, “Our position on the provision of puberty blockers has been clear and given the lack of long-term evidence of their safety it is right that the most cautious approach is taken. The move here in Northern Ireland and across the United Kingdom is part of a much wider international trend where many countries have been reviewing such provision in light of more detailed scrutiny of their safety and usage.
There was an additional need for action given the introduction in the ban across the rest of the United Kingdom could have seen Northern Ireland being used as an alternative route for people to source these drugs.
Ensuring that Northern Ireland was part of the UK-wide ban was always the most sensible outcome and I am glad that we have finally arrived at that destination.”