British Health Officials Walk Back Previous Claims, Admits Men Can't Breastfeed

The original guidance, published by the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust in 2021, had included instructions for "transgender women"—men who identify as women—on how to induce lactation using a combination of hormone therapy and physical stimulation.

The guidance also suggested that men's milk (which is actually just a forced secretion with no nutritional value) was as good as actual mothers' milk.

The claims first attracted scrutiny when it was revealed that some health officials publicly endorsed the idea that milk produced by men on these hormones was "as good as breast milk." Critics pointed out that this assertion lacked rigorous scientific validation and that the induced milk might lack essential nutrients found in real breast milk.

However, one NHS-affiliated doctor, speaking anonymously, noted that "induced lactation in transgender women is not the same as biological breastfeeding." They added, "Breast milk produced by a lactating mother contains antibodies and unique components tailored to the infant's needs, which cannot be replicated artificially or induced through hormone therapy in transgender women."

The controversy deepened when it emerged that some NHS trusts were encouraging men to breastfeed despite the lack of long-term studies on the safety of this practice. Critics accused the NHS of prioritizing "inclusivity" over the health of infants.

In response to growing public concern, the NHS recently updated its guidance, clarifying that induced lactation for men is not considered a standard or evidence-based practice. The updated guidelines now emphasize the importance of focusing on infant health and ensuring that breastfeeding recommendations are backed by actual scientific research.

A spokesperson for the NHS issued a statement: "Our priority is the safety and well-being of all patients, including parents and their children. After further review, we have concluded that more research is required to assess the nutritional adequacy of induced milk in transgender women before it can be recommended."

The backtrack has mixed reactions. Women's rights advocates have praised the decision, arguing that earlier guidance diminished the importance of biological breastfeeding and misled parents. "Breastfeeding is a uniquely female biological function," said Maya Forstater, a campaigner for sex-based rights. "Promoting unproven practices jeopardizes both women's roles and infant health."

Of course, some transgender activist groups have criticized the NHS’s decision, calling it a step backward for inclusivity. "Transgender parents deserve equal support and opportunities to bond with their children," said a representative from Stonewall UK. "This policy reversal risks alienating a vulnerable community."

The NHS’s reversal on breastfeeding guidance comes amid growing scrutiny of "affirming care" practices following the findings of the Cass Report. Commissioned by the UK government and led by pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, the 2022 report raised serious concerns about the rush to provide gender-affirming treatments, particularly for minors. The report criticized the Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) for prioritizing social and medical transition over a holistic exploration of underlying mental health issues, leading to its eventual closure.

Dr. Cass emphasized the lack of long-term evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and other gender-affirming interventions. Her findings have since spurred a reevaluation of related medical practices across the UK. Critics argue that the earlier push for affirming care was often driven more by political ideology than by robust clinical research, creating risks for patients, especially vulnerable children.

This shift in perspective has extended to areas like breastfeeding guidance for transgender women, with policymakers increasingly emphasizing the need for evidence-based practices over activist-driven experimentation.

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