Editor’s Commentary: I never thought I’d be looking to the British healthcare system as something we should look to for guidance, but when it comes to genital mutilation of children, they’re heading in the right direction by placing restrictions on what can be done. As for the United States, our healthcare system seems to be pushing for as many gender surgeries performed on children as possible.
On today’s episode of The JD Rucker Show, I talked about this and why it makes me more upset than just about anything happening in this country today. Below is an article by Lily Zhou from our premium news partners at The Epoch Times. Here’s my commentary:
NHS to Tighten Rules on Puberty Blockers, Social Transitioning of Children’s Gender
Puberty blockers will only be given to children under a formal research protocol, new draft guidelines published on Thursday by National Health Service (NHS) England said.
The draft “interim service specification for specialist gender dysphoria services for children and young people” also restricted the encouragement of using “social transitioning”—such as using pronouns inconsistent with one’s biological sex and adopting the appearance of the opposite sex.
It is part of NHS England’s transition from having a single gender identity development service (GIDS) centre to multiple regional centres as the existing GIDS at the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust is set to close by next spring after an official report in February found issues around safety.
The interim review on Tavistock GIDS was carried out by top British paediatrician and past president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health Dr. Hilary Cass.
At the time, Cass expressed deep concerns about the affirmative model, concluding that primary and secondary care staff have had to adopt an “unquestioning affirmative approach.”
Two Phase 1 services will be set up to replace the Tavistock center, one in London and one in the Northwest.
They will operate under the interim service specification until new service specification is formed in 2023/24 after Cass publishes her final report.
NHS England said it will collect feedback on the draft guidelines until Dec. 4.
In the draft (pdf), NHS England clarified that social transition should “only be considered where the approach is necessary for the alleviation of, or prevention of, clinically significant distress or significant impairment in social functioning and the young person is able to fully comprehend the implications of affirming a social transition.”
NHS England said the change is in line with Cass’s recommendation that “early social transition” should be viewed as an “active intervention” rather than “a neutral act” because “it may have significant effects on the child or young person in terms of their psychological functioning.”
The guidance added that “gender incongruence” in young children, which it defines as “a discrepancy between birth-assigned sex and gender identity,” does not persist into adolescence in most cases.
Regarding hormone treatment, NHS England said it’s developing proposals for prospectively enrolling children and adolescents into a formal research programme “with adequate follow-up into adulthood,” and that it will only commission GnRHa (gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist), a type of puberty blocker, in the context of a formal research protocol.
Four “substantive” changes are included in the draft.
Experts in paediatric medicine, autism, neurodisability, and mental health will be added to the clinical team currently comprised of specialist social workers, family therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, paediatric and adolescent endocrinologists, and clinical nurse practitioners.
The new draft guidance also specified that the clinical lead for the service will be a medical doctor, while current guidance doesn’t make such specification.
Changes are made to the progression through the clinical pathway to make it more “structured,” and GPs and NHS professionals will have to be involved in the referrals to GIDS.
Owen Evans contributed to this report.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.
