An earlier U.K. review into gender identity services found that studies about treatment for gender dysphoria were unreliable and there was a lack of attention paid to patients seeking to halt or reverse the gender transition process.
New legislation will make the ban indefinite and be reviewed in 2027.
Announcing the move, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: "We need to act with caution and care when it comes to this vulnerable group of young people, and follow the expert advice.” Streeting pledged to open more gender identity services in the U.K.
The policy will apply across the U.K. and the government will set up a trial into the clinical use of puberty blockers next year.