Puberty blockers trial can start recruiting children after judge rejects legal challenge
The High Court has rejected a legal challenge against a clinical trial for puberty blockers in children, allowing the study to proceed. The trial aims to assess the risks and benefits of the treatment for children questioning their gender.
Why it matters
This case is a significant development in the ongoing debate over gender-affirming care for minors and the medical evidence supporting such treatments.
Image source, Getty Images By Alison Holt , Social affairs editor , Reporting from Royal Courts of Justice , Jim Reed , Health reporter , Reporting from Royal Courts of Justice and James Melley , Social affairs producer Published 31 July 2026 A high-profile clinical trial of drugs that can delay puberty in children questioning their gender can go ahead after the High Court rejected a legal challenge by campaigners.
The Pathways trial, run by researchers at King's College London (KCL), will start recruiting more than 220 children aged between 11 and 16 years old from 1 August.
The study was commissioned to assess the benefits or risks of puberty blockers, after a landmark review into gender services found the evidence for treating young people with the drugs was "remarkably weak".
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in