Writer Adam Zwi writes in The Guardian about the situation with underage children obtaining hormone therapy and other interventions.
Forcing young people with gender dysphoria to apply to the family court is extremely stressful and expensive for them and their families. Indeed, there is evidence that some families have forgone the court application (and therefore the treatment) because of its prohibitive cost. Australia is the only country where this kind of application is necessary. And, in most cases, the court will simply follow the doctors’ advice.
This is ultimately an argument about informed consent models versus the current system of gatekeepers. And there are arguments both for and against on both sides. It cuts to the heart of the issues facing Trans ,and indeed, Genderqueer people.
Read more of Adam’s opinion on The Guardian.