England’s National Health Service will close a controversial gender identity clinic, Tavistock, for children after a damning independent review and a slew of allegations from former staff and patients. There have been many complaints about long wait times and insufficient service. Many young trans people are worried this is the start of anti-trans legislation. They are worried that since this clinic is closed, trans healthcare would be more difficult to find. However, there were also many issues with this clinic.

Dr. Hilary Cass, who is leading the independent review of the clinic, found that patients’ other mental health issues were “overshadowed” if they mentioned gender to clinicians at Tavistock. NHS England, which commissioned Dr. Cass’ study in 2020, says it will fully implement her recommendations. The health organization says it will launch two new gender clinics for kids next spring, with one in London and another in the northwest. It’s thought seven or eight services could be in place. This is obviously amazing for trans people, but Dr. Cass has also said that there is no guarantee that these kids receiving gender-affirming care won’t change their minds which mirrors false conservative rhetoric about transitioning. Gender-affirming healthcare is life-saving, and most trans people don’t regret a single part of their transition.