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<\/p>\nThe Government has announced it will stop doctors prescribing puberty blockers to new patients with gender dysphoria in what’s termed a “precautionary approach”.<\/p>\n
Health Minister Simeon Brown said Cabinet had agreed to introduce new rules under the Medicines Act, aligning New Zealand’s approach with the UK’s restrictions on the medications, also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues.<\/p>\n
“Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues play an important role in treating a range of medical conditions,” Brown said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
The changes, which take effect on December 19, will not affect patients currently receiving the treatment. New prescriptions will be halted pending completion of a UK clinical trial examining the medications’ use for gender dysphoria.<\/p>\n
In 2023, around 113 young people aged 11 to 17 were started on puberty blockers, according to the Ministry of Health.<\/p>\n
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(Source: istock.com)<\/p>\n
Brown said the “stronger safeguards” would give added “confidence that any treatment is clinically sound and in the best interests of the young person or child.” <\/p>\n
He said the Government was taking a “precautionary approach” given “uncertainty” in the evidence about the medication’s benefits or risks. <\/p>\n
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues are not currently approved by MedSafe for use in delaying puberty in young people with gender dysphoria or incongruence. <\/p>\n
Brown said Cabinet also agreed to “ensure existing youth gender services are maintained for young people experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence and bringing these services together through a central, accessible online resource”.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
“These changes are about ensuring treatments are safe and carefully managed, while maintaining access to care for those who need it.”<\/p>\n
The move was welcomed by NZ First, ACT and lobby group Family First. NZ First MP Casey Costello said the move was a “promise kept” and a win in the “battle in the war on woke”. Leader Winston Peters said “we never stopped fighting to make this happen.”<\/p>\n
Today’s announcement followed delays in the release of the Health Ministry’s updated guidelines on gender affirming healthcare for transgender and non-binary people.<\/p>\n
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