ASHM has submitted a response to the Independent review of Stage 1 and Stage 2 hormone therapies in Queensland’s public paediatrics gender services in support of access to person-centred, evidence-based gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) options for people aged under 18.
The independent review (Review) comes following a Health Service Directive from Queensland Health in January restricting new patients under the age of 18 from commencing stage 1 treatment (‘puberty blockers’) or stage 2 treatment (estrogen or testosterone) for gender dysphoria.
Medical gender-affirming treatment for adolescents can be vital for the quality of life and mental health of trans and gender diverse people, with GAHT associated with reduced rates of depression, anxiety and suicidality.
Key points from ASHM’s submission to the Review
ASHM’s submission covers several considerations around stage 1 and stage 2 hormone treatment for gender dysphoria for adolescents. Overall, ASHM advocates for a person-centred approach to GAHT based on individual needs and informed choice, guided by evidence-based standards of care, and delivered through appropriate clinical pathways.
Key points of ASHM’s submission to the Review include:
- ASHM supports the position of AusPATH that evidence-based access to stage 1 and 2 hormone treatments for adolescents offers significant benefits that outweigh potential concerns.
- Practitioners must consider assessment for stage 1 treatment against established clinical guidance and models of care, informed consent from the patient and their parents/caregivers, and recommendations from a multidisciplinary health care team.
- ASHM endorses the recommendations of The Queensland Children’s Gender Service External Service Evaluation (2024) for state-led investment in workforce capacity, service and governance infrastructure.
- ASHM understands that research in many areas of paediatric healthcare is limited by ethical and practical considerations. However, ASHM supports AusPATH’s position that, as with other areas of paediatric care, evidence gaps do not justify withholding access to gender-affirming hormone treatment for adolescents while further research is conducted.
- ASHM acknowledges that hormone treatment is not suitable for all adolescents, but access should be based on individual needs and informed choice.
The submission was created with support and input from AUSPATH, and informed by large-scale research findings, and national guidelines and standards of care.
