Jim Reed

The High Court has allowed the Pathways clinical trial of puberty blockers to begin recruiting more than 220 gender-questioning children in England from 1 August 2026. The trial, run by King's College London and commissioned by NHS England, will assess effects on bone density, brain development, fertility and mental wellbeing after the UK restricted new prescriptions to controlled research. Justice Chamberlain rejected campaigners’ request for a judicial review, finding that their claims about inadequate safeguards, consent and ethics had no realistic chance of success. King's College London and the Health Research Authority welcomed the decision, while parent campaigners, psychotherapist James Esses and detransitioned campaigner Keira Bell expressed disappointment and continued opposition. Recruitment had previously been delayed by the legal challenge, and the trial now includes strengthened age-related safeguards following regulator concerns.

Male infertility is often overlooked despite contributing to nearly half of infertility cases, with many health systems and clinical pathways still structured around women. Men frequently experience exclusion from evaluations, delayed diagnoses and limited support, reinforcing stigma and emotional strain. Experts argue that structural biases, public policy gaps and cultural taboos hinder comprehensive male involvement, although gradual improvements such as expanded education programmes and greater visibility at fertility events are emerging. Researchers highlight that male infertility can also signal broader health issues, underscoring the need for earlier intervention and more equitable reproductive care.