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New Zealand has decided to halt new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young transgender individuals, a move that has sparked concern among critics who fear it could negatively impact the mental health of those affected.
This decision is part of a broader global discussion regarding the increasing number of adolescents seeking gender transition. The debate has polarized opinions between those who caution against rushing into such medical treatments and those who argue for the necessity of providing access to what they consider vital healthcare.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that doctors in New Zealand will no longer be allowed to prescribe gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for treating gender dysphoria or incongruence in those not currently using these medications.
The decision was influenced by a report from the health ministry, which pointed to a lack of “high-quality evidence” that clearly demonstrates the potential benefits or risks associated with these drugs, Brown explained in a statement.
The decision resulted from a health ministry finding of a lack of “high-quality evidence that demonstrates the benefits or risks”, Brown added in a statement.
The ban takes effect from 19 December.
Some countries, such as Britain, have placed a temporary ban on the sale or supply of these drugs to those under 18 who are not already taking them.
The drugs will still be available in New Zealand for those with early onset puberty, endometriosis or prostate cancer, as well as for current users.
The health ministry said 113 people were using puberty blockers in 2023, down from 140 in 2021.
The ban will have a devastating impact on the lives and wellbeing of transgender and gender-diverse young people in New Zealand, said Elizabeth McElrea, an official with a transgender health body.
New Zealand has announced it is banning new prescriptions of puberty-blocking drugs for young transgender people
“The ban will lead to worsening mental health, increased suicidality and dysphoria for gender-diverse children and young people,” McElrea, the vice-president of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa, said in a statement.
It would bring a higher risk of experiencing marginalisation and discrimination for them, she added.
Treatment decisions should be made by doctors, young people and their parents, said Shanan Halbert, spokesperson for opposition party Labour on rainbow issues.
He also called for the government to provide adequate support for those affected by the ban.