(ChurchLeaders) After a tumultuous time of debate, whistleblowing, and lawsuits, Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) will conduct an independent review of its care and services for children and teenagers struggling with gender-identity development. The review—which will seek input from families, patients, and medical professionals—will explore the referral and treatment processes, including the use of controversial puberty-blocking drugs (also known as puberty blockers).
It also will examine the recent exponential increase in young patients. During the past decade, the number of referrals to the NHS Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) rose from fewer than 100 to more than 2,500.