New Zealand Reviews Access to Puberty Blockers

Puberty blockers—medications that pause the physical changes of puberty—have been available to transgender and gender-diverse youth in New Zealand for several years, prescribed by specialist clinicians following international guidelines. These medications, known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues, are a reversible intervention that can give young people time to explore their gender identity and make informed decisions about future medical care . The use of puberty blockers is endorsed by several major international medical organizations, including the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the Endocrine Society, which cite evidence that blockers can alleviate gender dysphoria and reduce mental health risks in transgender youth when used according to appropriate protocols .

In New Zealand, access to puberty blockers is managed by pediatricians and multidisciplinary gender clinics in major cities, such as Auckland and Wellington . The process involves comprehensive psychological assessment and informed consent, typically requiring the participation of both the young person and their guardians. The Ministry of Health has previously described the service as "evidence-based and consistent with international best practice" .

In November 2025, the New Zealand Ministry of Health confirmed it would launch a formal review of clinical guidelines concerning the prescription of puberty blockers to minors. This decision comes in response to domestic and international debate about the safety, efficacy, and ethical considerations of prescribing these medications, particularly since several European countries have updated their own guidelines over the past two years .

The Ministry stated that the review would be conducted by an expert panel including endocrinologists, pediatricians, mental health professionals, and representatives from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The panel aims to ensure that New Zealand's guidelines remain aligned with the latest evidence and international standards while prioritizing the voices and needs of transgender youth and their families . The Ministry emphasized that there were no immediate changes to access or prescribing practices during the review period.

New Zealand’s review follows a pattern seen in several other countries. For instance, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service recently updated its protocols for gender-affirming care after the Cass Review, which called for more research into the long-term outcomes of puberty blockers . Similarly, Sweden and Finland have issued more restrictive guidance, recommending puberty blockers only in the context of clinical research or under strict criteria .

Medical associations and LGBTQ+ rights groups in New Zealand have responded to the international debate by stressing the importance of individualized care and robust mental health support for transgender youth. Rainbow Youth, one of New Zealand's leading advocacy organizations, has expressed support for evidence-based reviews but cautioned against policy changes that could restrict access to care or stigmatize transgender young people .

Transgender advocates and healthcare providers have highlighted that, for many young people, access to puberty blockers can be life-changing, providing relief from gender dysphoria and reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Dr. Jaimie Veale, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Waikato and a leading researcher on transgender health, has noted that “the evidence to date shows that access to puberty blockers, when provided with thorough assessment and support, can be beneficial for transgender youth” .

However, some medical professionals and policymakers have voiced concerns about the need for more long-term data on the outcomes of puberty blockers and the potential for regret in a small minority of cases. The Ministry of Health’s review is expected to address these concerns by evaluating the latest research from New Zealand and abroad, as well as consulting with young people and families who have accessed gender-affirming care .

New Zealand law allows minors to consent to medical treatment if they are deemed competent, under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights . The current guidelines require clinicians to assess the young person's understanding and ensure informed consent, with parental involvement strongly encouraged but not legally required in all cases.

Ethical frameworks guiding gender-affirming care in New Zealand emphasize the principles of autonomy, nonmaleficence , and justice, ensuring that transgender youth are not denied medically necessary care due to stigma or political pressure . Advocacy groups, including InsideOUT Kōaro, have urged policymakers to maintain a rights-based approach and to center the voices and experiences of transgender young people throughout the review process .

The expert panel is expected to deliver its findings and recommendations in early 2026. Until then, the Ministry of Health has reiterated that access to puberty blockers remains unchanged and that families and transgender youth should continue to access care as needed through established clinical pathways .

The outcome of the review is likely to have significant implications not only for New Zealand’s transgender community, but also for the broader international conversation about the rights and wellbeing of transgender youth. As the debate continues, stakeholders across the spectrum have called for a process grounded in compassion, respect, and scientific rigor.