Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
The government is halting new prescriptions of puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria, saying "a precautionary approach" is needed while evidence remains uncertain.
In a statement published on Wednesday afternoon, Health Minister Simeon Brown said Cabinet had agreed to the new settings until the outcome of a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom, expected in 2031.
The drugs - known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues - would remain available for people already using them for gender dysphoria, as well as for medical conditions such as early-onset puberty, endometriosis, and prostate cancer.
Brown said the new rules - taking effect on 19 December - would give families confidence that any treatment was "clinically sound and in the best interests of the young person".
"These changes are about ensuring treatments are safe and carefully managed, while maintaining access to care for those who need it."
Existing youth gender services would sta
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