This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has said the state government will continue its review of gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth, as experts warn of the dangers of the government’s suspension of their access to hormone therapies.
Last week, the Queensland government caused outrage by ordering the public health system to suspend hormone therapies for new patients under 18 with gender dysphoria, amid a review of gender services.
The ban prevents more than 400 young Queenslanders on lengthy waitlists from accessing the treatments. Trans advocates as well as peak healthcare bodies including the Australian Medical Association have widely criticised the decision as dangerous and ideologically motivated.
Amid the backlash, the federal government intervened on Friday by announcing a National Health and Medical Research Council review into gender-affirming healthcare.
At the time, federal health minister Mark Butler urged the Queensland government to suspend their state review and leave it to the NHMRC. The Council will develop “nationally consistent guidelines,” Butler said.
However, Premier David Crisafulli (above left) confirmed on Sunday the Queensland review will proceed.
“We took our decision based on what unfolded in Cairns,” he said, per the Brisbane Times.
(Last week, Health Minister Tim Nicholls (above right) justified the statewide hormone ban by raising “allegations of non-compliance with clinical guidelines” at one clinic in North Queensland.)
Crisafulli said, “On the back of that, we’ve decided to make sure that we do that review, and that we do it in a way that has one factor, and that is making sure that kids are safe. All kids – kids in the program and other kids.”
The Cairns and Hinterland Health and Hospital Service clarified last week that a review identified “process issues” with the clinic but said there was no evidence of patient harm.
Trans young people ‘cannot be left in limbo’
However, experts have warned the Queensland government’s statewide hormone therapy ban for young people is putting them at risk.
The Australian Medical Association’s Queensland branch says the government has a “duty of care to keep patients safe”. The AMAQ said that includes “providing time-critical health treatment”.
The AMAQ said that some young people on waitlists have been “waiting up to 577 days”. Those youth “cannot be left in limbo,” they warned.
“Access to the right care, at the right time, improves peoples’ mental health and wellbeing. [It] is crucial that appropriate healthcare is available to all Queenslanders,” the AMAQ said.
“Treatment decisions must be made by clinicians based on the science, not ideological or other clinically irrelevant beliefs.
“Patients across Queensland also cannot be denied access to vital health treatments while investigations are ongoing, particularly where there is no demonstrated evidence of systemic failure.”
Queensland gender services ‘already struggling to meet demand’
Queensland Mental Health Commissioner Ivan Frkovic said the disruption is creating “distress and uncertainty” for young people and families, and damaging their mental health.
Research shows young trans people experience significant discrimination and stigma, leaving them at a very high risk of poor mental health and self-harm, he said.
“On top of this, about 60 per cent of trans young people have difficulty accessing health and mental health services, with even fewer services understanding or respecting their gender identity,” he said.
“Queensland services were already struggling to meet demand, with significant wait lists.
“The current evidence supports access to gender-affirming care for those experiencing gender dysphoria.”
Rallies on ‘National Day of Action’ for trans youth
LGBTQIA+ advocates have also called a National Day of Action this Saturday (February 8) to oppose the Queensland government’s decision.
Rallies on that day in cities across Australia will call for the protection of trans youth.
On Saturday, the Brisbane rally is at 10am at Speaker’s Corner, outside the Queensland Parliament.
If you need someone to talk to, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
