Libby Mettam: Liberal leader calls for ban on puberty blockers commonly used for kids with gender dysphoria

WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam wants a ban on medications — commonly known as puberty blockers — for young children with gender dysphoria. Ms Mettam said if she won the 2025 State election, her government would ban the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormone treatments and surgical intervention for children under the age of 16 “for the purpose of gender transition”. She said a Liberal government would also initiate a “comprehensive review of these treatments and their suitability for use in the treatment of gender incongruent children”. The move follows the release of a study in the UK by paediatrician Hilary Cass — a four-year-investigation into gender intervention for minors — which recommended the use of puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones and gender surgeries for children be discontinued. “Many countries around the world have already implemented such bans on the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones on children in the face of growing evidence they cause long-term irreversible harm,” Ms Mettam said. “It is important we undertake our own research into the outcomes being achieved here in our own State. “Once the research is completed we will review the ban to determine if it should be maintained, modified or potentially extended to under 18 years of age.” Figures obtained by the WA Liberals following questions in State Parliament show that last year, 105 children and adolescents received treatment involving puberty suppression cross-sex hormones at the Perth Children’s Hospital gender diversity service. In 2023, 21 children and adolescents commenced stage one puberty blocker treatment at PCH. In the same year, 37 children commenced stage two cross-sex hormone treatment at PCH. As of March 7, 64 children were receiving stage one puberty blocker treatment at PCH, while 41 children and adolescents were receiving stage two cross-sex hormone treatment at the hospital. “We must ensure our treatment of children and young people with gender dysphoria is safe in the long term as well as the short term,” Ms Mettam said. The Cook Government announced this week it would introduce a Bill to abolish the Gender Assignment Board, which required proof of surgical intervention before a person can legally change their gender. Under the proposed laws, transgender people who want to change their gender will no longer need to have surgery to do so. Instead, they will require a supporting statement from a doctor or psychologist confirming they have had appropriate clinical treatment, such as counselling. West Australians will also so be able to describe themselves as non-binary under planned reforms.