Lawyer with history of opposing LGBTQ+ rights launches legal action against Brighton practice treating young trans people
– 2 min read
A Brighton GP practice offering gender-affirming care to young trans people is facing a legal challenge that could lead to further restrictions on access to vital healthcare.
WellBN, which operates in Brighton & Hove, is under investigation by NHS Sussex following legal action initiated by Paul Conrathe, a lawyer with longstanding ties to anti-abortion and gender-critical organisations. The practice had been providing care through its Trans Health Hub, previously led by trans doctor Dr Sam Hall.
The investigation was triggered after Conrathe, representing a parent opposed to their trans daughter’s treatment, sent a legal threat to the practice. The teenager, however, is reportedly satisfied with the care she received and does not support her parent’s position.
Conrathe has a history of opposing LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights. He previously represented Keira Bell in a high-profile case against the Tavistock Clinic, challenging the principle of Gillick competence, which allows under-16s to consent to medical treatment. Although the ruling was later overturned, it led to increased restrictions on puberty blockers in the UK.
He has also worked with groups such as the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children and the US-based Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), which played a key role in overturning Roe v Wade and has been labelled an “anti-LGBTQ+ hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
WellBN had continued to dispense puberty blockers to under-18s with existing prescriptions, in line with legal allowances, and also prescribed other hormone treatments such as the mini contraceptive pill, commonly used to manage periods in cisgender girls.
“Our service is based on informed consent and bodily autonomy,” WellBN stated. “Prescriptions were provided in accordance with Gillick competence, and only with parental consent to under 16s.”
The judicial review brought by Conrathe seeks to have all hormonal treatment for under-18s deemed unlawful, along with NHS Sussex’s funding of such services. If successful, this could result in a nationwide ban on hormone treatment for trans youth.
NHS Sussex had previously supported WellBN’s model and even encouraged its expansion to NHS Somerset for adult patients. However, the legal challenge has prompted a shift in stance, with NHS Sussex now warning that the investigation could increase the risk of suicidal ideation and mental health issues among affected young people.
Jo Maugham, Executive Director of the Good Law Project, warned of the potential consequences: “Families of WellBN patients are worried about what NHS Sussex’s attempt to forcibly detransition their kids will mean - and Sussex admits there is an increased risk of suicide. God forbid that the worst happens. But if it does, we are in corporate manslaughter territory.”
NHS Sussex said its priority is ensuring appropriate care for children and young people. “Following concerns raised about some prescribing for children and young people by WellBN in Brighton & Hove, that may fall outside of national clinical policy and guidance, we are working with NHS England and have launched this investigation to determine the right clinical care and support for these young people going forward.”
Experts warn that the influence of US-based organisations like ADF is growing in the UK. Author and journalist Sian Norris said such groups aim to roll back rights and promote a “natural order” that marginalises women and LGBTQ+ people.
