I have now heard from the Court of Appeal that I have been granted permission to proceed with my appeal. This is very significant news. In the appeal I have argued that cross sex hormones should not be provided in a private clinic or where there is a disagreement between parents, unless there has been authorisation by the Court. This applies even if the child is 16 years old because of the lifelong risks of this controversial treatment, concerns about the clinical guidelines provided by WPATH and the requirement in the NHS for an independent second opinion from a multi-disciplinary team.  One of the reasons the judge stated in the Order granting permission to appeal  was:

‘There is a compelling reason for an appeal to be heard, in particular as to whether a court could, or ever should, override the decision of a young person who is over 16 and has capacity to consent to treatment which is being offered by a treating doctor in the UK in circumstances where the treatment which is being offered privately, whilst not lifesaving or sustaining, is irreversible, highly controversial and could not be provided in accordance with some of the recommendations contained in the Cass Review.’

This is the first case in which the higher courts will consider the Cass Review. It will be highly significant for parents, children, doctors and future cases. My hope is that the outcome will be greater protection for vulnerable children from an unsafe controversial treatment that has irreversible lifelong consequences (sterilisation being one of many). This is especially concerning when there is a two tier approach to treating children with gender dysphoria – a cautious approach in the NHS which requires a second independent opinion after lengthy psycho-social intervention, and an approach in the private sector that does not have these protections. 

This case will have widespread implications that extend beyond my own family circumstances. I am so grateful for those who have been able to offer financial support. I now have to raise further funds to see this case through to appeal. I need to raise a further £50,000. Please donate if you are able and pass this crowdfunder on to anyone else who may be concerned about medical treatment driven by gender ideology for children and young people. 

Thank you so much.

Ms A

Thank you for supporting my case. It had originally been listed for a final hearing last week. However, there was no evidence before the Court addressing the appropriateness of puberty blockers and cross sex hormones as a treatment option for my child. My legal team successfully argued that this information was necessary to enable the Court to decide what treatment is appropriate for my child. The case has therefore been adjourned whilst expert evidence from a psychiatrist and endocrinologist is obtained. This also means that a final hearing will not take place until after Dr Hilary Cass has published her final report. The Interim Order preventing my child being treated outside the NHS is also continuing.

I am grateful to those of you who have financially supported me in this very difficult journey. I never wanted to end up in court and my sole motivation is to do what is best for my precious child. I also recognise that my case may also benefit other parents who are anxious about the lifelong consequences this controversial medical treatment has upon children.

I still have a mountain to climb to raise the funds I need to bring this case. I would therefore be grateful if you would share this crowdfunder and continue to support it.

Thank you so much.

Ms A

Thank you everyone for your generosity. My final hearing begins on 30th October. There is still a mountain to climb in terms of funding the case. Please do share this appeal. Thank you.