The Queensland state government has paused new trans and gender-diverse patients under 18 from accessing hormone therapies in the public health system. This follows allegations that a North Queensland health service provided treatment that may not align with national standards.
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00:00Kenny Godridge wouldn't be here today without gender-affirming care.
00:07It really is life or death. Getting prescribed oestrogen, one of the best moments of my life.
00:13She wouldn't be able to start that treatment now after a new state government directive.
00:18An immediate pause on new public patients receiving hormone therapy for those who are under the age of 18.
00:26Existing patients will be exempt from the suspension.
00:29This comes amid allegations the Cairns Sexual Health Service may have delivered unauthorised paediatric gender services to 42 children.
00:38The assessment, the diagnosis and the treatment of these children in Cairns
00:44appears not to have complied with the Australian clinical guidelines for the treatment of gender dysphoria in children and adolescents.
00:52An independent investigation into the facility has been ordered with a report for the government within 10 months of a reviewer being appointed.
01:01The pause will remain in effect until such time as the government considers and acts on the outcomes of the broader review.
01:08When it comes to including politics in health policy, it's the most vulnerable members of the community that always suffer.
01:18The opposition says undertaking hormone therapy should be a decision made by an individual and their doctor, not by politicians.
01:26Greens MP Michael Berkman says the treatment is essential.
01:30For Kenny, she's concerned about the impact on her friends yet to receive the care that saved her life.
01:37I'm not going to sit here crying about how much this means to me, but it really does.
01:41It means the world to me and my friends and my whole life.
01:47For more UN videos visit www.un.org