Govt Stops Puberty Blockers for New Gender Dysphoria Patients

The Government has decided to pause the prescription of puberty blockers to new gender dysphoria patients, adopting a "precautionary approach" as it evaluates the medication's effectiveness and safety.

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that Cabinet has approved new regulations under the Medicines Act, bringing New Zealand in line with the UK's limitations on these medications, which are known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.

“These medications are essential for various medical conditions, such as early-onset puberty and certain cancers,” Brown stated, underscoring their role in other health areas. “We are ensuring they remain accessible for these purposes, where the clinical evidence supports their use.”

The updated rules, effective from December 19, will not impact those already receiving treatment but will prevent new prescriptions from being issued until the completion of a UK clinical trial investigating their use for gender dysphoria.

In 2023, about 113 youth between the ages of 11 and 17 were prescribed puberty blockers, according to the Ministry of Health. Brown emphasized that the added safeguards would reinforce confidence that any treatment is medically appropriate and serves the best interests of young patients.

The decision to pause prescriptions stems from ongoing concerns about the balance of evidence regarding the medication’s benefits and risks for those with gender dysphoria. Currently, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues are not approved by MedSafe for use in delaying puberty in these cases.

In addition to halting new prescriptions, the Government has committed to preserving existing gender services for youth, ensuring they have continued access to healthcare professionals with expertise in the area. These services will be consolidated into a central online resource for easier access.

“This change aims to ensure the safety of treatments while maintaining access to the necessary care for those who need it,” Brown said.

The announcement received support from various political and advocacy groups, including NZ First, ACT, and Family First. NZ First MP Casey Costello hailed it as a "promise kept" in the ongoing debate over gender-affirming care, with party leader Winston Peters reaffirming the party’s commitment to this cause.

This announcement comes after delays in the Health Ministry’s release of updated guidelines on gender-affirming healthcare, which were attributed to internal discussions over the regulation of puberty blockers.