Australian doctor stripped of license for criticizing abortions and gender reassignment

General practitioner Jereth Kok, who opposes abortions and gender reassignment surgeries. Photo: Daily Mail

On August 1, 2025, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) upheld the ban on the medical practice of Australian general practitioner Jereth Kok. The decision was based on his public statements opposing abortions and gender reassignment surgeries. This was reported by the Daily Mail.

A total of 54 posts made by Kok on social media over nearly a decade were reviewed. In them, he harshly criticized abortions, claiming it was murder, and called one of Melbourne's leading hospitals a "state institution for child destruction." The tribunal found that these expressions demeaned other medical professionals and violated the professional standards of a doctor.

Dr. Kok, who actively published on Christian platforms, acknowledged that some of his posts might have seemed harsh, but stated that he has the right to express his religious and moral beliefs. He emphasized that he acts according to his conscience and promised to be more cautious in his wording.

The court also examined his statements on gender identity and sexuality. In particular, Kok described homosexuality as a disorder and referred to gender reassignment surgeries as "medical butchery" and "mutilation of healthy bodies." According to the tribunal, even if these opinions reflect religious views, a doctor must be aware of the impact of his public statements on his professional reputation and public trust in medicine.

Supporters of Kok called the decision unfair. National Director of the organization Family First, Lyle Shelton, stated that the doctor was punished not for actions but for opinion, and called the incident an infringement on freedom of speech. He also emphasized that Dr. Kok did not harm any patients.

Currently, a human rights alliance representing the doctor's interests is considering appealing the decision. A rehearing of the case in VCAT is scheduled for September.

Previously, the UOJ reported that in the American state of New Hampshire, gender reassignment surgeries for children were banned.

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