Summarised by Centrist
The Ministry of Health has called for a “precautionary approach” to prescribing puberty blockers. They are introducing new rules requiring clinicians to work in specialised teams for young people with gender identity issues. The government is also considering further restrictions under the Medicines Act, including banning their use for gender-affirming care.
This announcement follows the release of an evidence brief concluding there is insufficient evidence supporting the use of puberty blockers.
The ministry’s evidence brief for puberty blockers’ safety and effectiveness was “limited and of poor quality.”
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and ACT’s Karen Chhour supported the restrictions, with Chhour stating, “Using medication to deal with gender identity issues can have permanent effects that do real long-term harm.”
Meanwhile, Labour’s rainbow spokesperson Shanan Halbert accused ACT and NZ First ministers of misleading the public, noting that access to puberty blockers remains unchanged within interprofessional healthcare plans.
Internationally, the Cass Review in the UK influenced this debate, finding “no good evidence” on the long-term effects of puberty blockers. The NHS has since halted most prescriptions pending further evidence. New Zealand health officials consulted the study’s author, Dr Hilary Cass, during their research process.
Public submissions on the proposed restrictions are open until late January. Reti and Doocey remarked, “The brief shows there is a lack of quality evidence about the safety of puberty blockers.”
