Puberty blocker prescribing in Aotearoa New Zealand statement

On 19 November 2025, Aotearoa New Zealand Health Minister, Hon Simeon Brown, announced that gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) will no longer be prescribed to new patients seeking treatment for gender dysphoria or incongruence.

These restrictions will remain in place until clinical trials in the United Kingdom are completed, which is not expected before 2031. Surprisingly, the New Zealand government’s decision has referenced decisions made by the United Kingdom, Finland, Norway and Sweden, where the healthcare systems are different, and has not looked at neighbours such as Australia, where systems, clinical approaches and the heathcare workforce are similar.

In Australia, the Government requested the National Health and Medical Research Council develop new national clinical practice guidelines for the care of trans and gender diverse people under 18 years of age with gender dysphoria. Development of the Gender Guidelines is expected to take 3 years, with interim advice on the use of puberty suppression available in the middle of 2026.

In line with our statement on gender dysphoria, the RACP reaffirms its commitment to non-judgmental, supportive and evidence-based care for children, adolescents and their families developing their gender identity.  Our longstanding position emphasises the importance of compassionate, evidence-informed clinical support for this group of young people, who often face significant challenges to their health and wellbeing. We are concerned that the current move does not consider clinical approaches and will negatively impact on clinicians’ ability to provide appropriate health care for young people. We are also concerned that trans and gender diverse young people will not seek health care, leading to worse mental health outcomes.

We acknowledge all our paediatric, adolescent and adult medicine physicians and trainees supporting young people and their families during this challenging time. The RACP recognises their ongoing efforts to provide the best possible care for young people in a complex landscape. Supporting young people and their families with their health and wellbeing is a vital role for our physicians and trainees and aims to improve the health outcomes of priority populations. The RACP also values the community voices and lived experience of young people and their families on this matter.