NUS-USI & USI/AMLÉ stand in solidarity with the Trans community in Northern Ireland following the distressing decision by the Northern Ireland Executive to permanently ban puberty blockers to under-18s, and we also stand firmly against the UK government’s similar actions in England. NUS-USI & USI/AMLÉ condemn these harmful decisions, which represent a significant step backward for LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare access.
This decision has come at a time when Trans people across the island of Ireland are already suffering from little to no access to adequate healthcare. This ban does not protect young LGBTQ+ people, nor does it improve their safety. It strips away access to necessary healthcare from an already oppressed minority. This decision is apparently informed by “medical and scientific advice”, yet none of this advice or evidence has been published to the public in Northern Ireland. There is no evidence that puberty blockers pose a serious and urgent danger to health. If they did pose such a danger, they would be banned for everyone and not specifically Trans young people seeking private care, note that they have not been banned for cisgender people. This is another attack on Trans people and an effort to exclude them from society by denying them access to healthcare that can improve their quality of life. The NI Executive has failed the LGBTQ+ Community.
Ben Friel, President of NUS-USI stated:
“The indefinite ban on puberty blockers is not just a policy failure—it is an affront to basic human rights. This decision singles out and marginalises Trans youth, stripping them of vital healthcare that can profoundly impact their mental and physical well-being.
The NI Executive’s refusal to publish the evidence behind this decision raises serious questions about its legitimacy and intent. We stand in solidarity with the Trans community in Northern Ireland and will continue to advocate for healthcare that is inclusive, evidence-based, and respectful of every individual’s right to self-determination.”
Speaking on behalf of USI/AMLÉ, Niamh Kennedy, Vice President for Equality and Citizenship, said:
“This decision is a devastating failure by the Stormont Executive to uphold the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. Puberty blockers have been shown to significantly improve the quality of life for young trans people, providing them with the time and space to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. The lack of transparency surrounding the so-called ‘scientific advice’ behind this ban is alarming and undermines trust in the decision-making process.”
We stand with the Trans community and echo their demand for their access to healthcare. Trans healthcare should be free, safe, timely, accessible in all care settings, based on informed consent, and aligned with international best practices. This ban is not a measure of protection but a targeted attack on an already vulnerable group.”
NUS-USI & USI/AMLÉ calls for the immediate reversal of this harmful policy and urges the Stormont Executive to prioritise the health and rights of all its citizens, regardless of gender identity.
