Health tourism and EU-UK trade in puberty blockers for minors
2.9.2025
Question for written answer E-003357/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR)
According to recent investigations by journalists, UK-based private clinics are promoting subscriptions costing thousands of pounds sterling to enable families with children to obtain puberty-blocking medication in the EU, given the ban on them in the UK after scientific studies revealed their serious risks and side-effects.
British children get the medication in the EU and travel to get their doses administered by complaisant doctors, in particular in Ireland and Spain. The UK Government has described this ‘health tourism’ as irresponsible and dangerous.
This situation exposes teenagers and even children to harmful substances, with serious consequences for their physical and psychological development. The lack of EU action makes it possible to circumvent national bans and paves the way for a cross-border medicine trade that affects the most vulnerable: minors.
In view of the above:
- 1.Is the Commission aware of this practice, and in particular, is it aware of the case of Anne Health, founded by Susie Green, and of the health tourism phenomenon that allows these medicines to be administered to minors?
- 2.What action will it take to combat the circumvention of national bans through health tourism practices?
- 3.How does it intend to ensure that the distribution and administration of such medicines in Europe is subject to strict monitoring by the European Medicines Agency and the EudraVigilance system, in order to protect children?
Submitted: 2.9.2025