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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.
“The ban will lead to worsening mental health, increased suicidality and dysphoria for gender diverse children and young people,” said Elizabeth McElrea, the vice-president of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa.
The decision comes more than a year after England’s National Health Service banned the use of puberty blockers and other treatments for minors, with medication given to those under 18 in dire circumstances.
Transgender medical care for minors has been available in the United States for more than a decade and is endorsed by major medical associations.
Several Republican-led states have banned puberty blockers and other treatment for transgender minors.
With Post wires
English (US)