Trans charity ‘unclear’ on puberty blockers but never gave medical advice

A charity which supports trans youth gave ‘unclear’ advice about puberty blockers but did not give medical guidance, a regulator has said.

The Charity Commission launched a formal investigation into Mermaids in 2022 as the organisation saw a growing demand from trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children and faced increasing publicity.

The results of the inquiry, released today, found no evidence of misconduct, but inspectors identified ‘mismanagement in a number of areas’.

‘The inquiry found that the charity’s infrastructure did not keep pace with its speed of growth and increasing public profile,’ the report said.

Mermaids is not allowed to give medical advice or referrals to beneficiaries, but The Times claimed staff in the charity’s chatroom promoted puberty blockers as ‘safe and reversible treatment’.

Mermaids described them as an ‘internationally recognised safe, reversible healthcare option’ on its ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ webpage from at least November 2022, according to internet archives seen by Metro.

Some studies say puberty blockers are ‘safe, effective and reversible’, with one describing them as ‘life-saving’ for trans youth.

But the Charity Commission said Mermaids’ information on the treatment was ‘unclear’ given the Cass Review, an assessment of gender treatment for youths commissioned by NHS England, described such studies as ‘weak evidence’.

‘It is unclear from the charity’s website whether the information provided relating to puberty blockers is provided in furtherance of an educational purpose or its other charitable object to relieve mental and emotional stress,’ the report said.

NHS England banned puberty blockers being prescribed to trans youth in March. A government emergency ban on puberty blockers for under-18s in the UK followed.

After the Cass Review urged medics to use ‘extreme caution’ when prescribing puberty blockers to youth in April, Mermaids re-wrote its FAQ webpage to reflect this.

The inquiry concluded that Mermaids’ information on puberty blockers never amounted to volunteers giving a diagnosis and prescribing treatment.

The charity’s chair of trustees, Kathryn Downs, told Metro: ‘We are relieved that the Charity Commission Inquiry which began nearly two years ago is finally over. The report states, as we anticipated, that there is no finding of misconduct at Mermaids.

‘The Commission has also confirmed, as we have repeatedly asserted, that we have not provided medical advice or acted improperly in our work with children, young people and their families.’

She added: ‘Considering the changes already made at Mermaids independently of this Inquiry, the time taken to publish this report has been frustrating, significantly affecting Mermaids’ fundraising and ability to deliver on our charitable objectives.

‘We call on the Charity Commission to ensure that organisations serving groups facing rising hostility are supported and protected, whilst being held to account where this is necessary.’

Orlando Fraser, KC, Chair of the Charity Commission said: ‘The provision of services to children affected by gender identity issues is a highly challenging area that requires great care and sensitivity.

‘This is especially so for charities, given the authority that registered status will likely carry with children and their families.

‘We have carefully scrutinised Mermaids’ activities through a statutory inquiry and have found mismanagement in a number of areas. Mermaids cooperated with our investigation and has been actively addressing the various concerns raised.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE : 7 warning signs you’re super stressed

MORE : ‘Disease of the past’ that killed 2,000,000 sailors is making a comeback

MORE : ‘Superhuman’ AI could soon tell you if you’re going to die early

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.