We, the undersigned, call upon the Minister of Health to reverse the decision to approve £800,000 in funding for a new “lifespan” gender identity service which imposes no lower age limit on referrals.

This policy is deeply concerning to us as citizens, parents, and taxpayers for the following reasons:

 1. Lack of Medical Evidence

The Cass Review, the most comprehensive independent investigation of gender identity services in the UK, concluded that the evidence base for treatments in children and young people is “insufficient and of poor quality.” It further warned of the potential harms of both medical and social transition on young children.

 2. Vulnerability of Children

Referring children as young as five to gender identity services introduces highly sensitive and complex issues at an age where cognitive, emotional, and social development is still in its early stages. There is no scientific or clinical justification for such intervention.

 3. Misuse of Public Funds

At a time when health services across Northern Ireland are under severe pressure, it is astonishing that such a significant sum of money would be directed toward a controversial and experimental service rather than being prioritised for urgent needs in mental health, cancer treatment, waiting lists, and front-line care.

Therefore, we respectfully urge the Minister to immediately withdraw the funding and implementation of the “lifespan” gender identity service.

Children deserve protection — not experimentation.