UK to introduce chemical castration for sex offenders

The UK government will begin using chemical castration—a medical treatment designed to suppress the sex drive of sex offenders as part to reduce the risk of reoffending.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood said that so-called chemical castration would be used in 20 prisons in two regions and that she was considering making it mandatory.

The policy is part of a broader strategy to reduce the risk of reoffending among sex offenders and to relieve pressure on a prison system nearing capacity.

Mahmood said she is considering making the treatment mandatory for certain categories of offenders, following findings from an independent sentencing review. “It is vital that this approach is taken alongside psychological interventions that target other causes of offending, like asserting power and control,” she told Parliament.

Evidence-Based but Controversial

While the review noted that chemical castration may not be appropriate for all offenders—particularly those whose crimes are motivated more by power dynamics than sexual compulsion—Mahmood pointed to studies suggesting the treatment can reduce reoffending by up to 60%.

Chemical castration is already used in several European countries: voluntarily in Germany and Denmark, and mandatorily in Poland for certain offenders.

Context: Overcrowded Prisons and Sentencing Reform

The move comes amid a crisis in the British prison system, where the inmate population has nearly doubled over three decades to about 90,000, despite falling crime rates. The increase is largely attributed to longer sentences driven by political pressure to appear tough on crime.

Since returning to power in July after 14 years in opposition, the Labour government has been scrambling to address what Mahmood described as a "neglected judicial system". One of her first actions as Justice Secretary was to implement an early-release program to free up space in overcrowded facilities.

Balancing Human Rights and Public Safety

The proposal is likely to spark intense debate over civil liberties, medical ethics, and human rights, especially if the treatment becomes compulsory. However, proponents argue that the approach could serve as a pragmatic and evidence-based tool to enhance public safety while easing the burden on the penal system.

More details on implementation, including eligibility criteria and oversight mechanisms, are expected in the coming weeks.