In a public opinion poll two-thirds of people say “Stop the NHS Puberty Blocker Trial” with the strongest opposition coming from parents of children under 18. A large majority call for psychological support over medical intervention.
New polling for Transgender Trend shows strong public opposition to NHS England’s proposed puberty blocker trial for children, with clear majorities—including parents and Labour voters—calling for the trial to be halted and for under-16s to receive mental health support rather than medical treatment.
A new nationally representative survey by Whitestone Insight finds that the British public is overwhelmingly sceptical of NHS England’s proposal to run a clinical trial of puberty blockers involving around 225 children, including some as young as ten.
Nearly two-thirds of adults (63%) agree that the NHS puberty blocker trial should be stopped, compared with just 14% who disagree, while only 18% support the trial proceeding as planned, with 58% actively opposing it.
Opposition is particularly strong when respondents are asked about the use of puberty blockers for minors more broadly. Over two-thirds (67%) agree that puberty blockers should never be given to under-18s “even as part of a clinical trial”, rising to 70% among parents of children under 18.
The public also expresses a clear preference for non-medical approaches. Nearly three-quarters of adults (74%) agree that services for under-16s with gender dysphoria should focus on psychological and mental health support rather than medical interventions, with support rising to 77% among women and 73% among parents.
Notably, scepticism cuts right across political lines. Among 2024 Labour voters, 59% support stopping the trial, while only 23% support it proceeding. Among current Labour voters, opposition remains strong, with 59% backing a halt and 26% supporting continuation.
Support for the trial is consistently low across all demographic groups examined.
The findings come amid ongoing controversy over the ethics of testing puberty blockers on children, particularly in light of concerns about long-term safety, elevated rates of autism and mental-health comorbidities among patients, and questions over whether children are able to give meaningful informed consent.
Stephanie Davies-Arai, Director of Transgender Trend, said “It’s a clear mandate from the British people to stop the trial.
“The British public instinctively knows that medically experimenting on children is wrong. Most understand that children are too young to make medical decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives. It’s not a party political issue but commonsense. The government now needs to listen and do what’s right.”
Shelley Charlesworth, Researcher at Transgender Trend, said “Most parents know that children explore many behaviours and interests as they develop. This is a normal part of growing up. Puberty blockers stop this natural process, cementing children’s ideas about their identity.
We’re pleased that a majority of parents agree that medical interventions should never be used to interfere with a child’s right to a natural puberty.”
A demonstration Stop the Puberty Blockers Trial will be held at 1pm, Wednesday 17th November outside the Dept. of Health at 39 Victoria St, London.
Speakers include MPs Jonathan Hinder, Caroline Johnson and Rosie Duffield.
Key findings at a glance
- 63% agree the NHS puberty blocker trial should be stopped
- 67% agree puberty blockers should never be given to under-18s, even in trials
- Only 18% support the trial proceeding as planned
- 74% favour psychological and mental-health support over medical intervention for under-16s
- Opposition remains strong among parents and Labour voters
Methodology
Whitestone interviewed 2,082 UK adults online between 12–14 December 2025. Data were weighted to be representative of the UK adult population. Whitestone is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Full tables will be posted online at www.whitestoneinsight.com
Of course it’s wrong! Why? Because the trial already does the damage for which you are testing! It is neither ethical nor scientific. Poor kids!