Consent for Medical Treatment of Trans Youth

Examines the law governing consent to medical treatment for trans youth in Australia, England and Wales.

Steph Jowett (Author)

9781316514207, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 October 2022

228 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 1.8 cm, 0.48 kg

'Consent for Medical Treatment of Trans Youth is an example of the rigorous legal research approach needed to navigate the intersection between law and medical knowledge in the provision of medical treatments for gender-diverse adolescents. Not only is the book crucial to understanding how legal barriers in two comparative legal and healthcare jurisdictions have evolved, but more so how they can be resolved, Finally, it is important to credit Jowett with the way the book conveys a caring and empathetic approach to such a contentious area of health that impacts upon so many young people and their families. The book gives us a clear and comprehensive picture as to where we are now and, given the ongoing legal and clinical developments in both jurisdictions, will be a significant tool in helping us to navigate future challenges and developments in both jurisdictions.' Ed Horowicz, Medical Law Review

Access to medical treatment for trans youth occupies a haphazard and dynamic legal landscape. In this comprehensive scholarly analysis of the historical and current legal principles, Steph Jowett examines the medico-legal nexus of regulation of this healthcare in Australia and in England and Wales. This is informed by an in-depth discussion of the medical literature on treatment for trans youth, including clinical guidelines, the outcomes of treatment and outcomes for trans youth who are unable to be treated. With illustrative examples and clear language, Jowett argues that legal barriers to clinical practice should be congruent with and reflect the current state of medical knowledge. Not only does Jowett assess the extent to which key legal decisions have been consistent with medical knowledge in the past, but she offers a nuanced, comparative perspective that will inform reform efforts in the future.

1. Introduction
2. Gender diversity in children and adolescents
3. Medical treatment of trans youth
4. Australian law governing consent to medical treatment for trans youth
5. Law governing consent to medical treatment for trans youth in England and Wales
6. Comparison of the law in England and Wales with Australia
7. Congruency of the law with medicine
Future directions for law reform.

Subject Areas: Clinical psychology [MMJ], Mental health law [LNTM1], Medical & healthcare law [LNTM], Gender & the law [LAQG]