New Zealand halts new puberty blockers for young transgender people

New Zealand said Wednesday that it was banning new prescriptions of puberty blocking drugs for young transgender people, in a move that critics warned could worsen the mental health of those affected.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand said Wednesday that it was banning new prescriptions of puberty blocking drugs for young transgender people, in a move that critics warned could worsen the mental health of those affected.

The step comes amid growing global debate about the number of adolescents seeking to change gender, dividing those concerned about hastiness in prescribing such medications and those worried about access to remedies they deem life-saving.

Health Minister Simeon Brown said doctors would no longer be able to prescribe gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues for gender dysphoria or incongruence to those seeking treatment for the conditions and not already on the drugs.

The decision resulted from a health ministry finding of a lack of “high-quality evidence that demonstrates the benefits or risks,” Brown added in a statement.

The ban takes effect starting Dec. 19.