Queensland children will continue to undergo puberty blocker treatment at the state’s gender health centre, despite the drug being banned overseas over concerns of long-term harm .
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman told The Courier-Mail the barriers could be life-changing and life-saving for those with gender dysphoria.
The announcement that sex hormone injections will not be stopped comes as the results of an independent investigation into Queensland’s gender and sexuality services are published.
There were explosive allegations last year of the newborn department when a psychiatrist said that there were negative effects of sex hormones, and that there were not enough pre-natal tests. to begin treatment.
But the study found that clinical practice within the service was consistent with current national and international guidelines for the treatment and care of children and young people with gender-diverse experiences. , and there is no evidence that children or families are rushed into making decisions about medical intervention.
The use of sex hormones and contraception in young people is a hot topic in politics, with the majority of LNP members at the three-day convention in Brisbane calling for a ban.
"It’s really important that doctors make decisions, not politicians," Ms Fentiman said.
A third of the clinic’s patients are managed with prescriptions for puberty blockers and/or sex-affirming hormones, with ongoing support.
Thousands of children and young people have gone through the service since 2017.
The review panel discussed the results of the UK-based Cass study, which led to the National Health Service banning the use of puberty blockers for gender confirmation treatment in minors.
The NHS emphasized the lack of sufficient evidence on the safety and effectiveness of barriers to addressing gender inequality or dysphoria among young people.
The Dutch parliament also commissioned a review of puberty blockers as a gender-affirming medical model.
Chair of the Review Panel for Queensland Studies Associate Professor John Allan said: "The panel recognizes the challenges faced by children and young people with gender experiences and their families and supporters. .
"Also, we recognize the challenges faced by practitioners working to support these young people in today’s environment.
“While doing the assessment, there was an important international book on
Gender clinical services, including the UK Cass inquiry, published… final report.
“The panel actively considered these results and ultimately made several
recommendations that were consistent with the results of the Cass review, particularly regarding network approaches to care, appropriate data collection and research linkages; and improving the skills of health workers and understanding of the experiences of different genders so that service options can be expanded."
Five hundred young people are being treated at Queensland’s regional gender equality centre, with a one-year waiting list.
The panel recommended more staff for the service to cut waiting times and spread the service across the state rather than Brisbane.
About 40 percent of those treated are from rural and regional Queensland.
The government will add an additional $2.6 million annually, bringing the total budget to $5.2 million.
Ms Fentiman said: "Queensland is home to a proud and vibrant trans and transgender community, and the Miles Government is committed to ensuring they have access to safe, responsive and up-to-date healthcare services. they are.
“We know that the care provided at Queensland Children’s Education Services is life-changing and, in many cases, life-saving.
“I have heard firsthand from families who have praised the service and expressed how valuable this safe haven is to them and their children.
“I welcome the results of this report, which shows based on the best available evidence, that our Queensland gender service is considered one of the best in the country.
"By implementing these recommendations, including the development of the state
network service model, we will lower the waiting list and ensure young people get the
care they need closer to home. "
#Dangerous #lifesaving #Minister #backs #treatment #abused #children
