Author Amy Nickell has caused outrage after suggesting hormone blockers for children are the solution to allowing trans women to fairly compete alongside female athletes.
Speaking on GB News Ms Nickell said: "I think when it’s such a tiny proportion, it is better to just include trans women in sport and consider them as women.
“And something that would help with this whole situation is hormone blockers for children."
Puberty blockers, otherwise known as "gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues", pauses the physical changes of puberty, such as breast development or facial hair.
While the treatment is physically reversible treatment, little is known about the long-term side effects of the blockers in children with gender dysphoria, according to the NHS website.
Author Amy Nickell speaking on GB News
GB News
Ms Nickell claimed early hormone therapy for transgender children before they reach puberty has been carried out across Scandinavia with “a massive success rate”.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries weighed in on the transgender debate today
GB News
Panel guest Sean Bailey interjected: “What about every child in the world who is not old enough to make that decision, who has no idea what they will feel like in five to ten years?
"A child should not be put through that process regardless!"
Ms Nickell insisted: “A trans child should not be put through puberty, that is far more mentally damaging.”
The transgender row spiralled after trans cyclist Emily Bridges was blocked from competing at the National Omnium Championships earlier this month.
Ms Bridges, who came out as transgender in 2020, had been allowed to compete in women’s events by cycling's national governing body after demonstrating that her testosterone levels had been reduced to the required limits.
After natal female athletes said they were considering boycotting the Championships, the decision came under review and was reversed.
Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries recently weighed in on the debate today, telling GB News that is is “impossible” for transgender athletes to compete in women’s sporting events.
She told presenter Dan Wootton: “You can choose your gender and we will support you and help you to do that…but you cannot change your biology.”
The MP for Mid Bedfordshire reiterated: “You cannot change that you were born male or that you were born female, it is what it is what it is.
“I'm afraid even with those athletes that try to get their testosterone levels below the limits, if somebody has been through puberty, it isn’t that case that it will make a significant difference.
“We’ve seen it happen recently with cycling and female athletes have had to stand up for themselves.”