In late 2024, the government has signalled that they’re considering restrictions to puberty blocker medications for trans children, and those questioning their gender.
Our position is that there must be no additional restrictions on puberty blockers. No regulations should be developed. This issue of access to essential medicine should not be open to public debate.
The Ministry of Health’s own evidence doesn’t show a need for any restrictions, and the government hasn’t made a case for why they want to restrict access to life-saving healthcare. If there were genuine issues of medical risk, we’d expect to see concerns about all children using this medicine. Instead, the focus on trans children is clearly aimed at undermining their right to make decisions about their own health.
The public consultation on possible restrictions is open until 20 January 2025. We’ll be sharing information and links on this page to help you respond.
Resources for responding
Official information about the review
The Ministry of Health’s media release, evidence brief and position statement about the review, and the consultation form.
About puberty blockers
What are puberty blockers? What is gender affirming care? - a simple explanation
Information sheets on puberty blockers from local researchers at Project Village
Identify survey findings on young people’s views about puberty blockers in Aotearoa, including benefits and unmet need
Support to make a submission
Submission guide for puberty blocker restrictions from InsideOUT Kōaro
How To: Submit in favour of gender-affirming care - a submission guide for the puberty blocker review
How you can stand up for trans kids being targeted by this government - submission guide from Emily Writes
We made a short submission guide that suggests five key points.
Submissions
Our Te Ngākau Kahukura submission on the consultation on safety measures for the use of puberty blockers in young people with gender-related health needs
Transgender children deserve access to healthcare - submission by Jennifer Shields
Submission from the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA)
Submission from the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
Statements
No need for further restrictions on puberty blockers: open statement from Te Ngākau Kahukura and other organisations and groups that serve trans communities
Gender-affirming care affects a small minority – so why the public consultation? - opinion piece by Jennifer Shields
Gender Minorities Aotearoa analysis on the puberty blocker review
‘She knew before she could read’: The reality of raising a trans child - a parent’s experience
Queer Endurance In Defiance’s full Statement On The Proposed Restriction Of Puberty Blockers
Speak Up On Puberty Blockers To Protect Our Trans And Non-Binary Rangatahi - statement from Labour Rainbow Spokesperson, MP Shanan Halbert
Puberty blocker evidence brief affirms Aotearoa’s approach - statement from the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa