The state election campaign saw renewed debate about ‘gender-affirming care’ in children. Recent international developments highlight major concerns about the ‘gender-affirming’ approach. Bipartisan consensus in many countries shows major changes are needed in paediatric gender medicine.
The 2024 UK Cass Review on gender transition interventions in young people found no clear evidence supporting ‘gender-affirming’ interventions for children; poor quality evidence for puberty suppression and cross-sex hormones; no reliable support for claims these treatments reduce suicide risk; social transition may significantly affect psychological functioning; treatment should not be based on the ‘gender affirming’ model.
The UK’s National Health Service has halted puberty blockers, with government plans to restrict them to clinical trials. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated, “Children’s healthcare must always be led by evidence. Medicine given to children must always be proven safe and effective first… The decisions I am taking will always be based on evidence, rather than politics or political pressure.”
Many US States and European countries have adopted similar policies. Medical interventions, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgeries, can cause irreversible harm, including bone density loss, infertility, sexual dysfunction, and impaired brain, social, and relational development.
Tasmania needs a moratorium on gender-affirming care pending a full public inquiry into paediatric gender medicine. Government policy, funding, and individualised care must rely on best evidence. Child safety and wellbeing demands a swift response.
by Associate Professor Mike Sladden and Dr Julie Sladden, Launceston
Published In The Examiner on the 21st November 2025