Should The Nhs Fund This?

[youngmafbog]

Regardless of whther you belive this sort of thing should be happening should it really be up to the NHS to fund it?

Personally I think not. The NHS is struggling with life and death cases so lifestyle choices should not be paid for. And that appies to boob jobs and other nosense paid by the tax payer.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4959094/Parents-want-NHS-son-12-puberty-halting-drugs.html

[douglas9401]

My answer to the direct question is no, do what others do when in extremis in the 21st century, crowd fund it.
I'm sure there are many Absters who would part with some hard earned for such a worthy cause.

[pixie374]

Even on that link there's a headline for a 23 year old having aquote[third] "gender reassignment". We need to put more of this money towards mental health and research so that people are getting more appropriate treatment. Obviously it is much easier just to chop their bits about... but I think og's post was largely accurate.

[woofgang]

pixie, the treatment to delay puberty is intended to minimise multiple gender reassignments

[pixie374]

How? It can only delay the decision as the right hormones haven't kicked in yet.

[EcclesCake]

NoM, having mulled over your response to me. I have decided to say that I (and others) no longer recognise you.

To be absolutely blunt, you seem to be overcompensating for something that is lacking in your life.

Apologies youngmafbog.

[woofgang]

pixie, the thought behind it is that the child may not be certain of what they want and may feel pressured by the onset of puberty into making a decision which they will later regret. Puberty also limits the time that they have to receive other assistance such as counselling. Basically yes it does "only" delay the decision, but if that delay leads to a happier, more stable outcome whatever the child decides, then surely its worth it?

[jim360]

Naomi, I'm pretty sure that all of my friends, family, acquaintances, etc -- in short, people who actually matter -- would be inclined to differ with your assessment. I flatter myself but I'm rather good at sarcasm, and you're pretty poor at recognising it anyway, so... anyway, there you are. You really ought to keep your wrong opinions to yourself for a change.

[Khandro]

No Mercy; Carry on regardless :0)

[jim360]

"I also think the trans lobby needs to figure out whether being transgender is an internal biological thing (in which case this treatment becomes a valid part of treating a medical problem), or whether it is a question of identity (in which case it is cosmetic)."

I'm sure there's a bit of irony here but... why does it need to be such a binary thing?

[pixie374]

Yes, that is a good point, woof. The problem is that any treatment like this would literally need to start from birth (or preferably before) to have a realistic effect. He has missed out already on 12 vital years of background and experience. But at the same time, imo, he's too young to be making these life- changing decisions anyway. The longer it's left, the less effective it will be. I don't think this is a healthy way to help him.

[jno]

jim - I suppose, in this instance, because either the NHS funds or it doesn't, so binary is built into the issue. Though of course it may decide differently according to individual circumstances.

What the opinion of the "trans lobby" has to do with it somewhat escapes me.

[jim360]

I'm intrigued by how kromo would define the two options he presents, mainly.

[jno]

it doesn't really matter whether there are two possibilities or twenty two, someone's still going to have to decide, and someone else will be annoyed.

[naomi24]

Jim at 14:18, my opinions, in your opinion, are wrong because they disagree with yours. I'll ignore the rest of your post. Can't be doing with 'precious'. ;o)

[jim360]

Well, most of what you've said about me over the years on AB has been incorrect, or, perhaps more generously, at odds with the reality as literally everyone else of my actual acquaintance recognises it.

Just throwing that out there (and I'm talking specifically about your opinions of me, which you certainly should as a matter of politeness learn to keep to yourself).

[naomi24]

Jim, I've no idea what you're talking about.

[woofgang]

pixie, I don't understand your post....sorry could you explain?

[Just-Jude]

She's 12, her childhood has been difficult enough. She should receive all the help she needs to progress into adulthood. I don't mind my taxes being spent on this kid.

[pixie374]

Sorry woof- only just seen your post. I'might just wondering really what the optimum age would actually be to make a decision. Around puberty seems too young, but realistically is also too late.