Chiropractors are banned from cracking babies' backs after controversial practice left a child with a broken spine By Australian Associated Press Published: 12:56 BST, 17 June 2024 | Updated: 13:01 BST, 17 June 2024 e-mail View comments Chiropractors are again banned from giving babies spinal treatment after health ministers demanded a regulator reverse its controversial decision. The Chiropractic Board of Australia last week drew the ire of medical professionals and politicians after it decided to resume letting chiropractors use spinal manipulation on children under the age of two. Federal Health Minister Mark Butler demanded an urgent explanation from the board and raised the issue with health ministers at a meeting on Friday.
Chiropractors are again banned from giving babies spinal treatment after health ministers demanded a regulator reverse its controversial decision (file picture) The board on Monday confirmed it would reinstate an interim policy banning the practice after a request from the health ministers' meeting. The policy would be in effect until further consultation with health ministers allowed for a final decision to be developed, the board said. 'While there has been no evidence of serious harm to infants from chiropractic care in Australia, the board's role is first and foremost to protect the public,' board chair Wayne Minter said.
'We look forward to working with ministers to develop an evidence-based final policy on paediatric care that balances the para.