Archive · 19 Nov 2025
New Zealand Halts New Puberty Blockers for Young Transgender People
New Zealand's government has stopped doctors from prescribing puberty blockers to young people who want to change their gender.
They did this because they couldn't find enough proof about if these drugs are good or bad for them.
Some people think this will make these young people feel worse, but the government says doctors should decide with the young people and their parents.
New Zealand's Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the ban on new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young transgender people
The ban is due to a lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating the benefits or risks of these drugs for gender dysphoria or incongruence
The ban takes effect from December 19, 2023
Existing users and those with other medical conditions (early onset puberty, endometriosis, or prostate cancer) can continue using the drugs
Critics warn that the ban could worsen mental health and increase suicidality among transgender and gender diverse young people
- Who
- New Zealand's Health Minister Simeon Brown
- What
- Announced a ban on new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young transgender people
- When
- December 19, 2023
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- Due to a lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating the benefits or risks of these drugs
Government's Stance
Critics' Stance
Evidence Base
Government's Stance
Lack of high-quality evidence for benefits or risks
Critics' Stance
Concern about hastiness in prescribing medications
Mental Health Impact
Government's Stance
Ban could worsen mental health and increase suicidality
Critics' Stance
Worry about access to life-saving remedies
- Drugs Affected
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues
- Effective Date
- December 19, 2023
- Existing Users
- Allowed to continue use
- Other Medical Conditions
- Still eligible for puberty blockers
- Current Users
- 113 people in 2023