Thousands of sex offenders in England and Wales could get libido-suppressing drugs
Summary
Starting in December 2028, thousands of male sex offenders in England and Wales could be offered drugs that lower their sex drive to help reduce reoffending. The treatment will be voluntary and is part of a pilot program expanding to more prisons, with experts cautioning against making the treatment mandatory due to trust and practical concerns.Key Facts
- About 3,750 male sex offenders in prison (one in four) might be eligible for libido-suppressing drugs.
- The pilot program on these drugs will increase from 10 to 20 prisons and expand to additional NHS regions by November.
- The medication includes SSRIs like sertraline, which reduce obsessive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens, which lower testosterone and sex drive.
- The program targets prisoners with strong, persistent sexual urges or intrusive sexual thoughts.
- Officials may launch the program across England and Wales by December 2028 if pilot results are positive.
- The treatment is voluntary and includes clinical and psychological support alongside medication.
- Experts warn mandatory treatment could harm trust between prisoners and officials, and it has not been proven safe or effective on a large scale.
- The drugs are not permanent like surgical castration and require continuous use to work.
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