🧵In July 2024 I broke news that the BMA was planning to vote on a motion to "disavow" the Cass Review & work with others to oppose implementation of its recommendations. Nearly two years' later, the union has officially dropped its opposition, after conducting its own review.
This followed backlash from members, including resignations. Today, 18 months after it was due, the BMA review's lead author told The Times, Cass had been “vindicated in the way she approached the data” & the union did not oppose a single recommendation
However, division endures. BMJ reports that while the report concluded evidence base for puberty suppression & hormones is "limited and uncertain", the BMA remains critical of Gov's response to Cass, e.g. the decision to ban puberty blockers for under 18s. bmj.com/content/393/bm…
Times reports "substantive disagreement" among the 12-person group who carried out BMA's review re: potential benefits/harms of puberty blockers. Four supported restricting their use; six supported keeping them available on the NHS; two were neutral.
thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/…
To understand how we got here, below are the key turning points in the story - first reported by me for @NewStatesman.
The original story (16/07/24): Why are British doctors considering rejecting the Cass report?
newstatesman.com/politics/healt…
Secrecy followed, with BMA refusing to confirm the precise wording of the motion voted upon. Backlash to the planned motion led to it being changed...
(26/07/24):Why are BMA Council’s confidential discussions on the Cass Review a matter of public interest?
newstatesman.com/comment/2024/0…
In early August, doctors hit back. I revealed how nearly 900 doctors, 2/3 of whom were union members wrote to BMA's chair to express their "dismay" at union's stance on Cass
(8/8/24): Hundreds of doctors are challenging the BMA’s stance on puberty blockers
newstatesman.com/politics/healt…
Tensions within the BMA grew as the row showed no signs of going away, and pointed to deeper divisions within the union.
(1/9/24): A long-read for the Sunday Times - "Politics, power and puberty blockers: the trans row dividing the BMA"
thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/…
Next (and finally), late in Sept '24 the BMA dropped its opposition to Cass, instead choosing to "retain a neutral position" while the specialist group undertook its critique of Cass review.
(27/9/24): The BMA turns away from rejecting the Cass Report
newstatesman.com/thestaggers/20…
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