Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender

Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender is a coalition of clinicians to campaign for clearer dialogue, better data collection, rigorous science and improved treatment options for gender dysphoria. They believe the sexed categories of male and female encompass all expressions of gender, personality types and behaviours.

They also believe that: 1. People who are distressed or questioning their gender should get proper support and treatment. 2. Clinicians should be able to consider a variety of appropriate therapeutic options 3. The practice of prescribing hormone blockers and cross-sex hormones for gender dysphoria should be scientifically scrutinised, as there is currently no robust evidence that they improve long-term outcomes and increasing concern around harms. 4. People with gender dysphoria and co-occurring mental health conditions require compassionate, person-centred care. The fragmentation of clinical responsibilities between gender and psychiatric specialists, as well as over-stretched mental health services, mean they may not be getting adequate holistic support. 5. A young person’s understanding of their own identity is an evolving process related to growth and experience. We advocate keeping future options open for maturing individuals and caution in using medical pathways that may impair sexual function and fertility. 6.Healthcare organisations require evidence-based policies with clear definitions of biological sex, gender, gender identity and gender dysphoria. 7. They call for unbiased information about the more complex psychological understanding of gender identity development and support available to patients in distress.

Members include Dr David Bell B SC, MB, MRCP, FRCPsych and Dr Az Hakeem MBBS, MSc, FRCPsych

The Declaration of the CAN-SG reads: We are calling for medical and healthcare institutions to commit to: Agreed, precise terminology about sex, gender and gender identity. Recording of biological sex in all healthcare settings and data, alongside optional recording of gender identity where relevant. Ensuring their policies are sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment sensitive, Equality Act compliant and Equality Impact assessed. Developing and testing the safety and efficacy of a range of therapies to support all people who have significant distress around their sex or sense of identity, within a nationally approved research programme to address uncertainties in the field of gender dysphoria. Avoidance of medical interventions in young people undergoing normal puberty and development until they reach brain maturity .

In March 2024 CAN-SG will hold a conference at the The Royal College of General Practitioners .