Speaking on the issue Carla Lockhart said, "I am delighted that common sense has prevailed with the permanent ban on the use of puberty blockers for children having been announced. In recent media appearances, I highlighted the concerns regarding potentially significant and long-term risks associated with these treatments, particularly for vulnerable young people. These concerns have been backed by an independent report.

Ms Lockhart referenced the findings of the Independent Review of Gender Identity Services for Children and Young People, chaired by Dr. Hilary Cass and commissioned by the previous UK Government. The Cass Review raised serious concerns about the use of puberty blockers in children, noting a lack of robust evidence regarding their safety and long-term effects and that the absence of a ban here would have left Northern Ireland as a back door for access to these drugs across the UK." 

Ms. Lockhart praised the decision as a critical step in safeguarding children and ensuring medical practices their well-being. "This is a significant victory for the protection of children and a reaffirmation of the need for safe and evidence-based medical treatments. We must continue to ensure that all medical interventions for young people are grounded in their best interests, free from ideological pressures.”