Drugs aimed at controlling the libidos of individuals who have committed sexual offences may be rolled out to thousands of male prisoners across England and Wales by December 2028, according to an expert.
Professor Belinda Winder, who has evaluated the use of such medication in prisons, indicated that around one in four sex offenders, equating to 3,750 current prisoners, would be considered for the treatment. She stated that officials could be ready to launch the drugs in prisons and probation services within 28 months if the pilot continues to progress positively.
The medication to manage problematic sexual arousal treatment pathway (MMPSA) pilot programme is set to expand from 10 to 20 prisons in November. This expansion will see the programme extend from south-west England into the north-west and north-east NHS regions.
The treatment targets sex offenders experiencing intrusive, persistent sexual thoughts, persistent arousal, and unhealthy sexual urges and behaviours. Drugs offered in the trial include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline, which helps limit invasive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens, which reduce testosterone production and libido.
Government sources have indicated that Andy Burnham’s administration is keen to expand the voluntary use of these drugs to help ease the prison overcrowding crisis. However, ministers are re-evaluating a previous pledge by Shabana Mahmood to explore mandatory chemical castration for serious sex offenders.