"New Zealand has announced it is 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 lifesaving."
"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 from 19 December. Some countries, such as Britain, have placed a temporary ban on the sale or supply of these drugs to those under 18 who are not already taking them. The drugs will still be available in New Zealand for those with early onset puberty, endometriosis or prostate cancer, as well as for current users."
"The health ministry said 113 people were using puberty blockers in 2023, down from 140 in 2021. The ban will have a devastating impact on the lives and wellbeing of transgender and gender-diverse young people in New Zealand, said Elizabeth McElrea, an official with a transgender health body. The ban will lead to worsening mental health, increased suicidality and dysphoria for gender-diverse children and young people, McElrea, the vice-president of the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa, said in a statement."
New Zealand will ban new prescriptions of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue puberty blockers for gender dysphoria or incongruence for those not already on treatment, effective 19 December. The health minister, Simeon Brown, cited a health ministry finding of a lack of high-quality evidence demonstrating benefits or risks. Existing users and prescriptions for early onset puberty, endometriosis or prostate cancer remain permitted. Use declined from 140 people in 2021 to 113 in 2023. Critics warn the ban will worsen mental health, increase suicidality and heighten marginalisation for transgender and gender-diverse young people. Some countries have enacted similar temporary restrictions.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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