Full Story The ban on puberty blockers risking harm to Queensland children
Nov 9, 2025
Ben Smee and Andrew Messinger from The Guardian dive into the controversial Queensland ban on puberty blockers for transgender youth. They discuss the rapid reimplementation of the ban following a court ruling, questioning whether it is ideologically driven. The podcast reveals the distress experienced by families whose children could be affected, including alarming mental health implications. With critiques of the government's rationale and a lack of robust evidence, they explore the broader impact of political intervention in medical decisions.
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Timing Is Critical For Puberty Blockers
- Queensland's ban pauses access to puberty blockers at a time when timing matters for treatment effectiveness.
- Experts warn delaying access risks harm because blockers are reversible and intended to buy decision time.
Government Explanation Lacks Detail
- The government's stated reasons cite clinical issues at a Cairns clinic and UK reports but offer few concrete details.
- Judges and reporters described the official explanation as vague or effectively reasonless.
Mother Wins Court Over Consultation Flaw
- A mother challenged the ban in court and won because proper consultation procedures weren't followed.
- The court found consultation with hospital executives lasted only 22 minutes, insufficient under the law.