Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took a strong stance against puberty blockers on Thursday, labelling them a “horrific crime against children” and calling those who advocate for their use “criminals.”
Musk made these remarks in response to a post on X, his social media platform, discussing the British government’s decision to ban puberty blockers for children under 18, citing safety concerns.
He wrote, “Puberty blockers are a horrific crime against children and those who push them are criminals”.
The UK’s indefinite ban, announced on Wednesday, comes after independent experts highlighted significant risks associated with the treatment. The decision applies nationwide, following consultations with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and will remain in place until a review in 2027.
Exceptions to the ban include ongoing clinical trials, treatment for children already receiving the medication, and cases of precocious puberty, a rare condition causing early onset of puberty.
British Health secretary Wes Streeting stressed the need for caution, announcing plans for a clinical trial next year to better assess the use of puberty blockers. This decision aligns with a 2023 ruling by Justice Beverley Lang, who cited “very substantial risks” and “remarkably weak evidence” regarding the benefits of such treatments.
The National Health Service (NHS) in England had already stopped prescribing puberty blockers at gender identity clinics, citing insufficient evidence of their safety and efficacy.
Musk’s strong opposition to puberty blockers reflects his personal experiences. He previously alleged that he was misled into approving the treatment for his transgender child, Vivian Jenna Wilson, formerly Xavier.
Musk has been vocal about his belief that cultural ideologies influenced his child’s transition, referring to it as the result of a “woke mind virus.” In past interviews, Musk expressed regret and accused advocates of pressuring parents with claims of suicide risks.
The billionaire’s outspoken views also coincide with his broader campaign against what he terms “woke ideologies,” including relocating SpaceX’s headquarters to Texas over a California law limiting parental notification of a child’s gender identity.
The British government’s ban, described by advocates like TransActual as discriminatory, has also drawn criticism from organisations supporting transgender health.
However, the decision has been praised by others as a precautionary measure to protect young individuals from potentially irreversible medical interventions.
