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The Government will introduce new safeguards on the prescribing of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, while ensuring patients who need them for established medical conditions can continue to access treatment, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
Cabinet has agreed to tighten the rules following a Ministry of Health evidence brief which found a lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating clear benefits or risks when the medicines are used for the treatment of gender dysphoria or incongruence.
“We are putting in place stronger safeguards so families can have confidence that any treatment is clinically sound and in the best interests of the young person or child,” Brown said.
“Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues play an important role in treating a range of medical conditions. We are ensuring they remain available for patients who need them for conditions such as early-onset puberty, endometriosis, or prostate cancer, where there is strong clinical evidence of benefit.”
Under the changes, New Zealand’s approach will be aligned with recent steps taken in the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway and Sweden, which have introduced additional protections around the use of puberty-suppressing medication in cases of gender dysphoria.
What Cabinet has agreed
• New patients seeking treatment for gender dysphoria or incongruence will no longer be prescribed gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, pending the outcome of a United Kingdom clinical trial currently being established.
• Existing youth gender services will continue operating, and the Government will bring these together through a central, accessible online resource.
Brown said the new approach will ensure a consistent, carefully monitored prescribing system.
“These changes will ensure a more consistent and carefully monitored approach. This mirrors steps taken in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, where additional safeguards have recently been implemented to ensure decisions are made in line with the best available evidence.”
The changes will not affect patients already receiving gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for gender dysphoria or incongruence, with the restrictions applying only to new cases.
“The Government expects existing youth gender services to continue supporting young people and their families, connecting them with healthcare professionals who have specialised expertise and can provide evidence-based guidance,” Brown said.
“These changes are about ensuring treatments are safe and carefully managed, while maintaining access to care for those who need it.”
The new regulations will take effect on 19 December 2025.
“This decision by the government is in line with many other countries who have either restricted or banned the experimental use of puberty blockers on children suffering gender dysphoria,” a statement by Family First New Zealand said.
“This includes the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and many states within the USA.
“With this decision, New Zealand is no longer an outlier when it comes to accepting scientific evidence and ensuring the protection of vulnerable children.
“New Zealand’s own Ministry of Health in its Evidence Brief clearly indicated that the use of puberty blockers must be restricted for those under 18 years of age. This Brief sits alongside a growing literature of concern around puberty blockers, including the United Kingdom’s CASS Review.”
