A DENTIST who worked at the Hospital has been placed under supervision, it has emerged, after a number of concerns were raised over the treatment she […]
Bell v Tavistock was whether a child or young person under the age of 16 could achieve Gillick competence in respect of the decision to take puberty blockers [133]. The court specifically declined to address whether parents could consent to the use of puberty blockers on their child s behalf, as this was not the Gender Identity Development Service s ( GIDS ) policy; GIDS relied on consent of the child or young adult being treated [47]
1.
Bell v Tavistock for the court to limit its inquiry to
Gillick competence, it undoubtedly left a lacuna as to whether the administration of puberty blockers to children under 16 based on parental (together with clinical) consent required court oversight. This has led to a number of difficulties for transitioning children and their families, from the inability of trans children to access puberty blockers to referrals to social services.
By Robin Moira White2021-02-18T00:01:00+00:00
In 2011 I became the first barrister to transition from male to female in practice at the discrimination bar.
Robin Moira White
My practice covers all aspects of employment and discrimination but more recently I have been acting in an increasing number of transgender cases, including
Taylor v Jaguar Land Rover in which the Birmingham tribunal found that non-binary and gender fluid individuals were within the Equality Act protected characteristic of ‘gender reassignment’. Stonewall have described this as a ‘landmark’ judgment and it’s a great read with lots of lessons for diversity and inclusion.
Why judgment in puberty blockers case should not obscure benefits of transition for some children
The voices of those who have benefited from puberty blockers were not apparent in the recent case. It is critical social workers listen to children with gender dysphoria to ensure they get the right support, says Leanne Taylor
January 15, 2021 in Children
Photo: Monkey Business/Adobe Stock
By Leanne Taylor
On 22 December 2020, the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust (“Tavistock”) lodged its application to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the Bell v Tavistock judgment. After a previous refusal of permission by the High Court, this is positive news for those concerned by the judgment.