New Zealand bans puberty blockers for transgender minors

New Zealand health officials announced Wednesday that new prescriptions for puberty blockers will no longer be issued to children identifying as transgender.

Doctors will stop prescribing the gender-affirming medication — gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues — to minors starting Dec. 19, after the health ministry cited a lack of “high-quality evidence that demonstrates the benefits or risks,” Health Minister Simeon Brown said.

Existing patients can still access the medication for gender dysphoria or other conditions, such as early-onset puberty, endometriosis, and prostate cancer.

Officials said 113 people were using puberty blockers in 2023 — down from 140 in 2021.

Hormone blockers can pause puberty and are occasionally used to treat children with gender dysphoria.

Critics slammed the decision, warning the ban will severely impact transgender and gender-diverse youth, arguing medical decisions should be left to the individuals doctor. (Read more from “New Zealand bans puberty blockers for transgender minors” HERE)