The Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is considering introducing chemical castration for sex offenders, we want to know what your thoughts are on the issue. Paedophiles and other sexual offenders as the Government is reportedly considering measures to stop repeat offending after perpetrators are released from prison. Those incarcerated and individuals handed suspended sentences could face the irreversible procedure.

Chemical castration uses drugs to reduce sex hormones in individuals, which can reduce the risk of reoffending by as much as 60%, studies have found. A national rollout covering 20 prisons will pilot the use of chemical castration of sex offenders and the Government is exploring whether it will be on a mandatory basis, the Justice Secretary has said. In a statement to the Commons, Shabana said: "The review has recommended we continue a pilot of so-called medication to manage problematic sexual arousal.
"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. Of course, it is vital that this approach is taken alongside psychological interventions that target other causes of offending, like asserting power and control." So, what do you think? Should rapist and paedophiles be castrated? Vote below in our poll...

The measures are being considered so that criminals can be released back into society amid . Mahmood is said to be examining the potential implementation of obligatory chemical castration, which is used in US states such as California.

Meanwhile, countries such as Germany, France, Sweden, and Denmark offer sex offenders voluntary chemical castration. The procedure involves selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which curb invasive sexual thoughts, and anti-androgens, which suppress testosterone and reduce libido.

Offenders often receive psychiatric help to manage their sexual thoughts as well. 48 recommendations in total, including chemical castration, were put forward by David Gauke, the chair of an independent sentencing review.