The United Kingdom is actively exploring the possibility of making chemical castration mandatory for certain sex offenders, in a bold move aimed at reducing reoffending rates and addressing the issue of overcrowded prisons.
The proposal was revealed on Thursday by Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who told lawmakers that the government is looking to expand a pilot scheme first launched in 2022. This program currently offers libido-suppressing drugs voluntarily to inmates in southwest England.
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“The review has recommended we continue a pilot of so-called medication to manage problematic sexual arousal,” Mahmood said.
“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 added.
National Rollout and Prison Reform Plans
An independent prison review led by former Justice Secretary David Gauke warned of a potential shortage of 9,800 prison places by 2028. The report encouraged expanding chemical castration to tackle the rising number of sex offenders and repeat offenses.
As of March 31, 2025, there were 14,863 individuals serving time for sexual offences in England and Wales, making up 21% of the adult prison population.
Prime Minister Supports Scientific Approach
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed support for the initiative, citing strong scientific evidence:
“The scientific evidence is clear that the use of chemical suppressants may well be effective in tackling dangerous offenders, and that is why we are expanding the use of it.”
Ethical Concerns and Opposition
The proposal has sparked controversy among human rights and legal advocates. Pia Sinha, CEO of the Prison Reform Trust, raised ethical alarms:
“Forcing medical treatment raises clear ethical considerations, which could put medical professionals in an invidious position.”
Marcus Johnstone, a criminal defence lawyer, also warned:
“Chemical castration won’t solve anything in the long run without adequate funding for counselling and psychological support that is critical to helping the rehabilitation of sex offenders.”
Global Context: Chemical Castration in Other Countries
Chemical castration is already in use in Poland, Russia, South Korea, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, and several U.S. states. Notably, California law mandates the treatment for repeat offenders convicted of sexual crimes against children under 13 before release.
Additional Reforms in the UK Review
- Other recommendations from the UK prison review include:
- Creating specialist domestic violence courts
- Expanding electronic monitoring for offenders
- Improving legal education on gender-based violence
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As the debate intensifies, the UK government will weigh public safety against human rights concerns in deciding whether to proceed with mandatory chemical castration for sex offenders.
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