The imminent pause on puberty blockers in New Zealand has provoked strong feelings on both sides of the debate: supporters say it will keep children safe, while critics warn it will cause "profound distress".

The NZ Cabinet has signed off on plans to halt new prescriptions for puberty blockers for young people with gender dysphoria from mid-December, pending the results 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 other medical conditions such as early-onset puberty, endometriosis, and prostate cancer.

'Banning their use will lead to profound distress'

The Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa

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