Queensland halts prescription of puberty blockers and hormones for children with gender dysphoria
Queensland halts prescription of puberty blockers and hormones for children with gender dysphoria
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Pause comes as Crisafulli government launches independent review after reports gender-affirming hormones were given without proper consultation. Children with gender dysphoria will be denied puberty blockers as a state government reviews hormone therapies for minors.
The Queensland government launched the investigation after reports gender-affirming hormones had been given to children as young as 12 without authorised care. Health minister, Tim Nicholls, on Tuesday announced the independent review into the use of puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.
The state has immediately paused any new patients under 18 accessing paediatric gender therapies through the public system until the government considers the review’s outcome. Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email. Kids already on a treatment plan – nearly 600 in total – can still access the services.
Children experiencing gender dysphoria but unable to begin hormone therapy will still be able to access psychiatric and psychological support. Nicholls said the review was sparked by reports paediatric gender services were being given to children at the far north’s Cairns Sexual Health Service without proper medical support and parental consent.
Queensland’s Liberal National government said a public interest disclosure was received regarding a 12-year-old being prescribed a puberty blocker without proper consultation in Cairns. Multi-disciplinary consultation must be sought for all under-14s who want to start puberty blockers which involves input from psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians and family.
