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Concerns Raised Over Data Collection on Sex and Gender in Health and Policing

Cancer screenings may have been neglected, and criminal convictions possibly bypassed due to inadequate data practices surrounding biological sex and gender identity, according to an independent review. This examination, led by Professor Alice Sullivan, highlights critical risks associated with conflating biological sex with gender in healthcare, particularly in the areas of sex-specific cancer screenings and safeguarding measures.

Professor Sullivan advocates for comprehensive changes, urging public institutions to routinely gather data on both biological sex and gender identity to enhance the accuracy of health and social services. The Department of Health has acknowledged the findings and stated that they will be assessed with the necessary seriousness as they reform gender identity services.

In her analysis, Sullivan pointed out that a growing confusion has emerged between sex, transgender identities, and gender diversity. Recent trends towards merging these concepts into a singular category have raised concerns within healthcare and law enforcement.

Legal changes in gender identity do not alter one’s biological sex. For instance, a person who transitions from female to male may still require cervical cancer screenings, while transgender women may still need prostate health assessments. This distinction underlines the importance of accurately recording sex alongside gender identity in medical records.

Discussing her findings on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, Sullivan emphasized that it is unnecessary to choose between documenting sex or gender. “What I’ve argued in this report is that sex is really important; we should be recording it by default. Transgender and gender-diverse identities can also be noted where appropriate,” she stated.

The review also flagged potential issues within law enforcement. It noted that suspects might not be obliged to inform police of changes to their name or gender, which could lead to gaps in criminal histories that might affect public safety. To address these challenges, the report recommends that police departments maintain accurate records of sex in their databases and prohibit alterations to individual sex markers on the police national computer.

In addition, it suggests that the issuance of new NHS numbers and altered gender markers be examined closely. Sullivan reiterated the need for widespread implementation of these recommendations to bolster data accuracy and public trust. “Collecting sex data by default in all government and quasi-governmental research would make a significant impact,” she said, underscoring the necessity for leadership in navigating these complex issues.

A spokesperson for the government responded, affirming the significance of collecting precise and relevant data for effective public service operations, particularly in relation to sex. The review’s findings have been shared with the Office for National Statistics and other relevant governmental departments, indicating an ongoing commitment to improve data practices in health and policing.

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