Subhead:The NZ government will pause all fresh prescriptions of hormone blockers pending a UK review.#
New Zealand’s government has announced it will stop issuing new prescriptions for puberty blockers from 19 December, bringing its approach in line with a UK clinical review led by Sir Hilary Cass.
Health Minister Simeon Brown confirmed on Wednesday that existing patients in youth gender services will continue to receive hormone suppressants, but no new cases will be accepted until the British review concludes – a process expected to finish by January 2031.
“These changes will ensure a more consistent and carefully monitored approach,” Brown said. “This mirrors steps taken in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway and Sweden, where additional safeguards have recently been implemented to ensure decisions are made in line with the best available evidence.
