Dr Louise Irvine: Setting up a Medical Advisory Network

The Clinical Advisory Network for Sex and Gender (CanSG) emerged in the UK as clinicians grew uneasy with the rapid expansion of gender‑affirming services. Over the past decade, puberty blocker prescriptions have surged—four times the per‑capita rate of the UK in New Zealand—despite systematic reviews in 2020 finding no robust evidence of efficacy or safety. This disconnect prompted a coalition of doctors, nurses, radiographers, paramedics, psychologists, and surgeons to create a multidisciplinary forum that could question prevailing protocols without compromising patient care.

CanSG’s members quickly faced professional retaliation. Whistleblowers who raised safety concerns at the Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service were investigated by the General Medical Council, received complaints for refusing hormone treatment in acute psychiatric settings, and endured accusations of transphobia. Recognizing the isolation, the network instituted democratic governance, regular meetings, newsletters, and a supportive online platform. By uniting a broad spectrum of clinicians, the group provides peer backing, shares evidence‑based resources, and safeguards careers while advocating for rigorous scientific standards.

Beyond internal support, CanSG collaborates with international NGOs such as the Society for Evidence‑Based Gender Medicine, Transgender Trend, and Sex Matters, reinforcing a global stance that sex is a biological reality with legal and health implications. For policymakers and healthcare leaders, the network illustrates how clinician‑led advocacy can counterbalance ideologically driven mandates, mitigate legal risk, and ensure that medical interventions remain grounded in solid evidence. Organizations considering similar advisory bodies should assess local regulatory climates, prioritize multidisciplinary inclusion, and establish clear governance to sustain credible, evidence‑focused dialogue.