A major Finnish study of 2,083 adolescents who contacted gender identity services found high levels of psychiatric distress before referral, with needs that did not improve and sometimes worsened after medical gender reassignment. For Australia, the findings raise serious questions about whether vulnerable young people are being placed on a medical pathway before underlying mental health issues are properly addressed.

Within six weeks, three medical practitioners who raised concerns about paediatric gender-affirming care were subjected to regulatory or institutional action. Their cases point to a growing pattern of suppression aimed at clinicians whose experience and evidence led them to challenge the prevailing model.

We’ve made a submission to Victoria’s review of its conversion practices law, raising concerns about unintended consequences for lawful therapy and calling for clearer protections.