‘Severe limitations on the rights of children’: Human Rights Commissioner on ‘pause’ on gender affirming health care

The Queensland Human Rights Commissioner has expressed deep concern over Queensland Health’s directive to public health services to “pause” the provision of puberty blocker medications to new patients aged under 18.

The announcement was made this week after concerns were raised about a state sexual health service in Cairns potentially acting outside clinical guidelines for the provision of the hormone medications for children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria.

Queensland Health issued a directive on Tuesday to all state run health services that prevents them providing puberty blockers to new patients while investigations are conducted. Patients already receiving treatment can continue to do so.

“The word “pause” suggests this is a temporary measure however I am concerned that this disproportionate response will impose severe limitations on the rights of children to access health services without discrimination” says Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall.

Mr McDougall’s comments echo concerns raised by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), the Australian Medical Association (Qld) and by Dr Anna Cody, federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner, highlighting the significant distress and uncertainty this decision has created for patients, families, and clinicians.

“The decision to pause these services has profound and potentially harmful consequences for affected children and their families, particularly given the well-documented risks associated with delayed access to gender affirming care, including to the physical and mental wellbeing of the young people currently awaiting care.”

Scott McDougall

“I am also concerned that there does not appear to have been a genuine consideration of less restrictive alternatives and that the directive may not comply with Queensland’s Human Rights Act.”

Scott McDougall

The Commission has contacted the Health Minister to request he reconsider his decision to pause these services pending the outcome of the independent review.

- ENDS

Media Contacts

QHRC Media

Email: comms@qhrc.qld.gov.au

Phone: 0407 657 411