100 signatures reached
To: Steven Edgington - NT Health Minister
Reverse ban on gender affirming care for under 18s in the NT
We call on the Northern Territory Health Minister Steve Edgington and the NT government to immediately reverse their intention to ban on gender-affirming healthcare for people under the age of 18.
This decision is harmful, unjust, and profoundly out of step with evidence-based healthcare, human rights principles, and the values of care and community that Territorians hold.
The timing of this ban is cruel. Gender diverse young people are already living under intensified scrutiny, stigma, and political attack. To remove access to care at this moment compounds fear and distress and places young people at real risk. Gender diverse young people are deeply vulnerable to harm when healthcare is withdrawn.
Gender diverse young people are valuable members of our communities and our communities are stronger because they exist.
Gender diverse young people are valuable members of our communities and our communities are stronger because they exist.
Why is this important?
This ban:
• will deny public health access to gender affirming health care for under 18s
• Overrides the expertise of qualified clinicians
• Denies young people’s autonomy and ability to know themselves
• Denies young people’s autonomy and ability to know themselves
• Undermines the role of families and carers
• Politicises healthcare decisions
• Increases distress and risk for young people
• Sends a dangerous message that some lives are conditional
In the Northern Territory — where youth mental distress, suicide risk, and service inequity are already acute — this decision is especially dangerous and irresponsible.
Healthcare decisions should be guided by medical evidence, clinical expertise, and lived experience, not ideology. Gender-affirming care is internationally recognised, evidence-based healthcare. Denying it does not protect young people — it harms them.
Our Demands
Our Demands
We call on the Northern Territory Government to:
1. Immediately reverse their plan to ban on gender-affirming care for under 18s
2. Restore clinician-led, evidence-based healthcare
3. Meaningfully consult gender diverse young people, families, clinicians, and community organisations
4. Publicly commit to protecting LGBTIQAP+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people from political harm
5. Ensure access to safe, timely, and appropriate healthcare for all young people in the NT
Sign this petition to stand with gender diverse young people in the Northern Territory.
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Vital Collective NT