The Family Court ruled that Court authorisation will no longer be required when trans young people request hormone-blocking medication.

Australia’s LGBTI Health Alliance welcomes the recent Family Court decision to allow a 13-year-old transgender boy to receive Lucrin, a medication that suppresses the hormones responsible for physical changes during puberty.

In the Re: Lucy (Gender Dysphoria) [2013] FamCA 518 decision, the Family Court ruled that Court authorisation will no longer be required when trans young people request hormone-blocking medication. These requests will continue to be evaluated through careful screening in collaboration with a young person’s medical professionals and their parent or guardian.

“Puberty is a stressful time for most young people, but can be a particularly traumatic experience for trans young people. Research shows that delaying puberty for these young people can enable them to thrive socially and academically, and can reduce their risk of self-harm and suicide,” said Warren Talbot, Alliance Executive Director.

The hormone-blocking effects of Lucrin are fully reversible. In contrast, pubertal changes such as breast development, vocal masculinisation and facial hair growth are difficult for trans adults to reverse later in life without costly and invasive medical procedures.

Studies show that Lucrin can be safely administered to young people for several years prior to full pubertal onset. Lucrin is routinely used to treat people with various medical conditions, including children with central precocious puberty (CPP)—the medical term for very early puberty.

Mr Talbot added, “The Family Court decision will help trans young people to access necessary medical care at a crucial time in their development. Thanks to the Family Court, more trans young people will be able to survive adolescence and grow up to be healthy and productive members of Australian society.”

Full details of the case are available from the Family Court of Australia.