“CHILDREN and vulnerable people deserve better than being rushed into irreversible decisions,” said Claire Archibald MS, on learning that gender affirming surgery has been paused in Wales - owing to an unusually large number of referrals.

“Wales has reportedly made around four times as many referrals for gender affirming surgery as England, despite representing less than 5 per cent of the UK population,” said the Reform Senedd Member for Ceredigion Penfro. “The Welsh Government and NHS Wales must scrutinise what is driving this disparity and ensure people are not presented with medical transition as the only option.”

In 2024, Dr Hilary Cass submitted her final report and recommendations to NHS England in her role as Chair of the Independent Review of gender identity services for children and young people. Ms Archibald continued:

“The Cass Review cannot simply be dismissed. It highlighted serious gaps in the evidence base and called for proper assessment of mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism, before life changing decisions are made.

“Medical interventions can carry significant risks and side effects, including changes to bone density, impacts on growth and development, headaches, mood changes, fatigue, and possible effects on fertility and sexual development.”

Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies called it “alarming” to see the number of people referred for gender surgery in Wales is so much higher than in England. Mr Davies also criticised a statement by Plaid Cymru Senedd member Matthew Jones, that called for the pause to be lifted “as soon as possible”.

“It raises questions about the prevalence of radical gender ideology within the Welsh NHS – a full and comprehensive investigation is needed.”

Claire Archibald MS added: “This is not about denying anyone dignity or compassion. It is about protecting vulnerable people, demanding proper safeguards, and ensuring independent clinical judgement comes before ideology.”