Government halts new puberty blocker prescriptions for gender dysphoria patients

Wednesday 19 November 2025 · 8 outlets · 6 reports · updated Thu 20 Nov 2025, 10:07am

In this story Green Party, Simeon Brown, Ricardo Menéndez March

Health Minister Simeon Brown announced that Cabinet has agreed to stop doctors from prescribing puberty blockers to new young patients with gender dysphoria. The government is taking a precautionary approach due to uncertain evidence regarding risks and benefits. These new rules will remain in place until a major clinical trial in the United Kingdom is completed.

How they headlined it

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Wed 6:02pm7:30pmThu 9:41am

1. NZ HeraldWed 19 Nov 2025, 6:02pm

   Government pausing prescription of puberty blockers for some (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsWed 19 Nov 2025, 6:23pm

   Govt halts puberty blockers for new gender dysphoria patients (opens in new tab)

3. The Post via RNZWed 19 Nov 2025, 7:30pm

   Govt halts new puberty blockers prescriptions for gender-affirming care (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesWed 19 Nov 2025, 7:33pm

   Govt taking 'precautionary approach' to puberty blockers (opens in new tab)

5. Stuff via RNZThu 20 Nov 2025, 9:41am

   Government halts new puberty blockers prescriptions for gender-affirming care (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

6. RNZThu 20 Nov 2025, 10:07am

   New Zealand pushes pause on puberty blockers pending UK trial (opens in new tab)