BMA reverses stance on Cass review after internal reassessment of NHS gender care

The British Medical Association (BMA) has reversed its stance on the Cass review, dropping its earlier opposition to the findings on NHS gender identity services. The independent assessment, led by Dr Hilary Cass, had previously faced rejection from the BMA, which refused to endorse its recommendations as 'unsubstantiated'. The Cass review examined gender identity care for children and young people within the NHS. It concluded that patients had been poorly served by a lack of strong evidence supporting medical interventions. The report described existing services as 'built on shaky foundations' and warned against routine use of treatments like sex hormones for under-18s.

Initially, the BMA council voted against implementing the review’s 32 recommendations. However, a new internal assessment by 12 union members has now led to a change in position. Professor David Strain, chair of the BMA’s board of science, called the review process 'constructive'. He noted that clinicians with differing opinions had engaged respectfully and that the evidence had been thoroughly examined. Strain also highlighted consistent respect for the underlying data and the ethical challenges involved in these decisions.

The BMA’s shift means it no longer opposes the Cass review’s conclusions. The decision follows a detailed reassessment of the evidence and recommendations. Clinicians and policymakers will now consider the implications for future gender identity services in the NHS.