Overview
- The rules take effect on 19 December and stop new prescriptions of GnRH analogues for gender dysphoria, with access preserved for current users and for conditions like early‑onset puberty, endometriosis and prostate cancer.
- Cabinet set the pause to remain until results from a major UK clinical trial expected in 2031, aligning New Zealand with recent changes in the United Kingdom and several European countries.
- Health Minister Simeon Brown describes the move as a precautionary approach intended to ensure treatments for young people are clinically sound and carefully managed.
- The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa and other advocates condemned the decision, warning of worsening mental health and increased suicidality among transgender and gender diverse youth.
- Supporters, including New Zealand First and some public‑health experts, back tighter safeguards, and the government says youth gender services will continue with information consolidated into a national online hub.