The Queensland state government has paused the prescription of puberty blockers and hormone treatments for minors suffering from gender dysphoria following reports that children as young as 12 were receiving the medications without proper authorization.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls announced Tuesday that an independent review will examine the use of puberty blockers on minors. Until the review is completed, no new patients under 18 will be given "gender-affirming" therapies through the public healthcare system.
According to the Australian Associated Press, nearly 600 children already undergoing treatment will continue receiving these services.
The review follows revelations that the Cairns Sexual Health Service in Far North Queensland provided such treatments without proper medical oversight or parental consent. A public interest disclosure found that a 12-year-old was prescribed puberty blockers without adequate consultation. Under Australian guidelines, minors under 14 require a multidisciplinary consultation involving medical professionals and family members before starting puberty blockers.
Nicholls revealed that an internal investigation found the Cairns clinic had improperly treated 42 children, 17 of whom were prescribed puberty blockers or hormone therapies. The review also identified inadequate record-keeping and failures in credentialing and scope of practice.
“In short, assessment, diagnosis and treatment may not have aligned with Australian treatment guidelines,” Nicholls admitted.
A formal investigation into the clinic has been launched, with a report expected by the end of June. Leena Singh, chief executive of Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, stated that the organization welcomes the investigation and “the opportunity it presents to improve delivery of our services.”
