Doctors quit British Medical Association amid rebellion over groundbreaking research into gender identity services for children

Doctors quit the British Medical Association in protest over a groundbreaking study into gender identity services for children.

Many members, including NHS leaders and former medical college presidents, have expressed their dismay at the report, led by paediatrician Hilary Cass.

They accuse the BMA of being influenced by a ‘vocal minority’ with an ideological agenda.

The controversy began when the BMA’s 69-member board formally voted to reject the Cass inquiry, which had recommended an end to prescribing cross-sex hormones to young patients with gender dysphoria.

Many BMA members, including NHS leaders and former presidents of medical royal colleges, have expressed their dismay at the report, led by paediatrician Hilary Cass (pictured)

Critics within the BMA, including some prominent council members, argued that the decision does not reflect the views of the other members and is not transparent.

Jacky Davis, a radiologist and councillor, told The Times: ‘This minority voted against the implementation of Cass, an evidence-based study that has been four years in the making.

“They have no evidence to support their opposition. The Cass review is not a matter for a union. It is not our job as a union to criticise the Cass review. It is a waste of time and resources.”

In response, more than 1,400 doctors, including almost 70 professors and 23 former or current presidents of medical royal colleges, signed an open letter calling on the BMA to drop its opposition to the Cass inquiry.

After Dr Hilary Cass released her report on NHS gender identity services for children and young people, many treatments were suspended and activists protested against the ban. Pictured is a protest in London on 20 April 2024

Transgender people and their supporters march through central London in a protest against a ban on puberty blockers following the Cass report. Pictured on April 20, 2024

Many expressed their frustration, some resigned or considered resigning from the union.

One signatory called for a “vote of no confidence in the BMA leadership” and another noted that “it looks like activists have taken over”.

Despite the BMA’s position, the NHS remains committed to implementing the review’s recommendations.

Professor Philip Banfield, chairman of the BMA council, said a ‘task and finalisation group’ reviewing the Cass report would report on progress by the end of this year.