The Ulster Unionist Party has restated its opposition to the prescribing of puberty blockers to under-18s in Northern Ireland, and to any future participation in the proposed clinical trial.

A party spokesperson said:
 
"The Ulster Unionist Party's position is clear. We do not, and will not, support the use of pharmaceutical puberty blockers for children experiencing gender-related distress outside a robust evidence base.
 
“Our concern is straightforward. The evidence base for these drugs in children is weak, the potential long-term harms are not fully understood, and vulnerable young people should not be the means by which that uncertainty is resolved.
 
“Health Minister Mike Nesbitt acted decisively in 2024 to ensure that the prohibition on prescribing puberty blockers to under-18s applied in Northern Ireland, placing the safety and welfare of children at the centre of decision-making. Earlier this year, Northern Ireland became the first part of the United Kingdom to suspend participation in the proposed puberty blocker trial.
 
“We recognise that these are deeply sensitive and often distressing circumstances for young people and their families. They deserve compassion, dignity and timely access to high-quality psychological and therapeutic support. We believe that care should prioritise those services, while ensuring that decisions affecting children are guided by common sense, the best available clinical evidence and independent expert advice, with the welfare of the child remaining the overriding consideration.
 
“Any future proposal for Northern Ireland to participate in this clinical trial is not a matter for any one political party or Minister acting alone. It would require the agreement of the Northern Ireland Executive. If such a proposal is brought forward by another Minister or party, the Ulster Unionist Party's position will remain firmly unchanged in that we do not support participation in this trial.”