Key points from Bernard Lane’s article on the status of parliament inquiry on kids in the gender clinic: https://www.genderclinicnews.com/p/shine-a-light?
1. Claire Chandler, a member of Australia’s centre-right Liberal Party, has requested an independent inquiry into the medicalised gender transition for minors. The proposed inquiry would look at treatment evidence for patients diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
2. There has been a substantial increase in children accessing gender clinics in Australia, rising from fewer than 500 in 2016 to over 2,000 in 2021. The highest numbers of patients are in Victoria and Queensland.
3. Chandler highlights concerns about the lack of transparency on the nature of the treatments provided, their efficacy, and the overall clinical outcomes.
4. Chandler references the recent changes in Finland, Sweden, and England, where hormonal treatments for minors have been restricted due to weak evidence and potential risks. England's National Health Service, for example, has limited the use of puberty blockers to clinical trials.
5. Dr. Jillian Spencer, an Australian child and adolescent psychiatrist, has publicly criticised the gender-affirming treatment model, arguing that it lacks sufficient evidence to demonstrate that benefits outweigh potential risks and harms.
6. Spencer is advocating for an independent inquiry to guide Australian healthcare providers on safe treatments, their appropriate timing, and conditions for children.
7. The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) has disaffiliated from the medical indemnity fund MDA National because the fund reduced coverage for private doctors involved in medicalised gender change for minors.
8. The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists (NAPP) in Australia supports a national inquiry into gender clinics. It stresses the need for the inquiry to be based on evidence, not opinion.
9. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists plans to publish an updated position statement on gender dysphoria later this year.
10. Litigation has started in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US, filed by individuals who regret their gender transition.
11. A motion has been proposed in the Australian Senate for a committee inquiry into youth gender medicine. Senator Chandler suggests this committee would be better than no inquiry, but she would prefer the inquiry to be separate from politics.
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