Paedophiles and rapists in two English regions may soon be offered—and potentially mandated—chemical castration. The move follows a major sentencing review urging pilot schemes in 20 prisons to curb “vile urges” and prevent reoffending.
🧪 What is chemical castration?
The treatment combines selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors to limit invasive sexual thoughts and anti-androgens to slash testosterone. It’s paired with therapy to tackle power-and-control issues behind offences.
💉 From voluntary pilot to nationwide mandate?
Labour’s shadow justice minister Shabana Mahmood told MPs:
“I will go further with a national rollout, beginning in two regions covering 20 prisons. And I am exploring whether mandating the approach is possible.”
She stressed it must complement psychological interventions.
📊 Evidence so far
Studies hint at dramatic drops in reoffending. One small follow-up found none of ten chemically castrated inmates reoffended. Another showed a 60% lower reconviction rate compared to untreated peers.
🌍 Learning from abroad
Countries like Germany, France, Sweden and Denmark offer voluntary treatments; a few nations and US states mandate them. Mahmood argues it’s time the UK joined the global trend.
🕵️♂️ Why now?
Chaotic prison numbers—over 88,000 inmates and rising—spurred former justice secretary David Gauke’s 200-page review. It also recommends early release for good behaviour, ditching sub-12-month sentences, and greater use of electronic tagging.
You may also like: See John Bercow’s brutal verdict on Tory leader Kemi Badenoch
