The New Zealand government has announced a ban on new prescriptions of puberty-blocking drugs for young transgender people starting December 19. Those already taking puberty blockers will be allowed to keep taking them.

Puberty blockers temporarily suppress hormones that cause puberty. If treatment stops, then puberty resumes. In 2023, 113 young people in New Zealand were started on puberty blockers, down from 140 in 2021.

Made with the support of NZ On Air.