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NHS: Women

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled Answered 7 July 2025UIN 58090

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Supreme Court judgement in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers of 16 April 2025 on the provision of NHS services in (a) England and (b) Fylde.

Answered by Karin Smyth

The Supreme Court’s ruling about the meaning of ‘sex’ in the For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers case has provided much needed confidence and clarity to service providers. We expect all public service bodies to act on the clarity that the ruling provides


We are considering the impact of the ruling. While the implementation of the ruling may generate operational challenges or have financial implications, it is not beyond the ability of the National Health Service to find a path that resolves these issues in a way that ensures the safety and dignity of all patients. We will support the NHS in England in doing so.

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