B

Baroness Merron (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 18 December 2025

Debate

Puberty Suppressants Trial

Contribution

As the noble Baroness rightly says, children, by definition, cannot consent to being on the trial, so places will require parental consent as well as the assent of young people. I can assure your Lordships’ House that, as I have already mentioned, there are strict eligibility criteria to join the PATHWAYS clinical trial. Part of the assessment by the professionals making the decision about engagement involves the role of parents, including whether there has been any undue pressure and a whole range of considerations. I urge the noble Baroness to refer to the details of how young people will be accepted on to this trial. I must emphasise that no person will be guided towards it who should not be. We are seeking young people; there is no requirement.

More from Baroness Merron (Lab)

Other recent Hansard contributions by the same speaker.

About Hansard

Hansard is the official verbatim record of proceedings in the UK Parliament. Every word spoken in the Commons and Lords is recorded and published — this page is a single contribution from that record.

Partner sites