One of the largest medical insurers in Australia, MDA National, has decided to withdraw insurance coverage for doctors in private practice who prescribe hormonal treatment for children and adolescents. They have also stopped covering private specialists who may face court claims if they determine individuals under 18 years old suitable for gender transition. MDA National believes that assessments and initial prescriptions for patients transitioning under the age of 18 should occur with the support of a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting. This decision, effective from July 1, is expected to impact around 100 practitioners, including general practitioners, paediatricians, and endocrinologists providing gender-transitioning treatments. The insurer made it clear that they will not cover claims related to assessing individuals under 18 for gender transition or initiating the prescribing of gender-affirming hormones to patients under 18. MDA National made this decision in response to legal cases overseas, particularly the inquiry into Britain’s Tavistock Centre. Additionally, the insurer expressed concerns about the long-term risks associated with individual doctors making life-changing decisions and their ability to adequately price the high-risk area of gender-affirming care. However, MDA National will still provide coverage for GPs who prescribe gender-altering hormones under certain circumstances, such as when recommended by a non-GP specialist as part of a multidisciplinary team, complying with Australian standards, and involving counseling and general healthcare for patients with gender dysphoria. Some women’s rights groups have supported MDA National’s decision, emphasizing the need to mitigate risks and avoid claims from individuals who later regret their decisions to take gender-altering drugs. They have also voiced concerns about minors receiving drugs without sufficient consultation and treatment for underlying issues. Meanwhile, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has also moved away from a “gender affirmative approach,” stating that there is no scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of sexual orientation change efforts and that they can cause significant harm to individuals.