Tony Abbott Joins with 100 Leading Australians in Urging Investigation into Hormone Treatments for Children
Among the signatories calling for an independent public inquiry into drugs for children suffering gender dysphoria are ethics professor Clive Hamilton, former Deputy PM John Anderson, 40 medical experts, and several Liberal MPs and senators.
More than 100 prominent Australians, including former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and academic Clive Hamilton, as well as doctors, state and federal MPs, lawyers, and detransitioners, have urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to establish an independent public inquiry into drugs for children suffering gender dysphoria.
They signed a letter calling for an immediate halt to all medical interventions until the inquiry is complete. The letter highlights concerns about the potential lasting consequences of puberty blockers and hormone therapies on bone density, brain development, and fertility.
The letter, initiated by Women’s Forum Australia, emphasizes the need for an inquiry led by professionals with no ties to gender medicine clinics.
Signed by more than 40 doctors and child psychiatrists, the letter warns about the increasing reliance on medical interventions for gender transitions and its potential impact on public health.
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The signatories of the letter include Professor Clive Hamilton from Charles Sturt University, former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson, suspended Queensland Health child psychiatrist Jillian Spencer, psychiatrist Andrew Amos, and former Liberal candidate Katherine Deves.
They argue that Australian policymakers have ignored international findings, such as the 2024 Cass Review in the UK, leading to a ban on puberty blockers.
The letter questions the continuation of current gender-affirming practices given the evidence and the extent to which they should be maintained.
Queensland Action Fuels Wider Debate
The call for a national inquiry follows the Queensland LNP government’s decision to suspend new hormone therapy treatments for minors, citing concerns about best-practice guidelines being overlooked.
In the US, President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order restricting gender transition procedures for individuals under 19, halting federal funding for puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgical procedures.
Europe Moves Away from Medical Intervention
Reports indicate that several European countries have shifted towards prioritizing counselling over medical interventions for minors with gender dysphoria.
Countries like Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and France have revised their approach to hormone therapy, with more cautious guidelines and restrictions.
These changes reflect growing concerns about the long-term effects of gender-affirming treatments.
