Yesterday the UK Government made the decision to continue criminalising the prescription of puberty blocking medication for transgender children and young people.
This deeply disappointing decision disregards the voices of trans young people, and trans health experts, who clearly expressed the significant harm this will cause.
We know this news may be concerning for our families here in Australia, but rest assured that we are, and will continue to, strongly advocate for continued access to medical affirmation for our young transgender people. We also know that the Australian context differs significantly to the UK context, and that we have the support of the Federal and many State Governments.
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Support for trans young people’s access to life saving care in the UK
Transcend Australia stands in solidarity with trans young people, their families, and advocates in the UK following the recent decision to continue criminalising the prescription of puberty blockers for transgender children and young people.
This decision, founded on a study lacking robust evidence and consultation with experts, will have profound and harmful consequences on the lives of young people seeking gender-affirming care.
Access to gender-affirming healthcare, including puberty blockers, is a fundamental right and an essential component of health and wellbeing. Evidence consistently shows that gender-affirming care, when provided by qualified health professionals in collaboration with young people and their families, saves lives. Denying access to this care is discriminatory and poses a serious public health risk, exacerbating mental health challenges and increasing risks of harm for trans young people.’
Jeremy Wiggins, CEO Transcend Australia, stated:
“We know that access to gender-affirming healthcare saves lives for those who need it. This decision goes against evidence-based recommendations and jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of transgender young people in the UK. Families will now go without life-saving care, and that is both unethical and unjust. Puberty blockers have been successfully used for decades to support young people during a critical stage of their development, allowing them time to explore their identity while preventing the distress of undergoing a puberty that may not align with who they are. This decision not only disregards expert recommendations but also perpetuates stigma and discrimination against trans young people.”
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