Consultation on Safety Measures for Puberty Blockers: Ministry of Health’s Position Statement

Review of Puberty Blockers

Overview

The Government has asked the Ministry of Health to review safety measures for puberty blockers, considering potential regulations under the Medicines Act.

What are Puberty Blockers?

Puberty blockers are medicines, specifically gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists. They delay puberty in young people as part of gender-affirming care. These medicines also treat precocious puberty in children and various conditions in adults.

Position Statement

On 21 November 2024, the Ministry published a Position Statement following an Evidence Review. This statement clarifies expectations for healthcare providers involved in gender incongruence and dysphoria care.

Key Points from the Position Statement:

• Treatment should start only with experienced prescribers in an interprofessional team.
• Patients and families must be informed of the lack of long-term effect evidence for these medicines.
• The Position Statement aims to:
  • Protect children and young people from potential harm.
  • Set clear expectations for health practitioners.
  • Provide a regulatory framework for prescribers by the Medical Council of New Zealand.
  • Uphold the rights of children and young people against non-consensual medical experimentation.

Consideration of Further Safety Measures

The Ministry is reviewing whether additional safety measures are necessary to protect children and young people from unknown risks. Possible measures include:

• Revising clinical guidance.
• Increasing monitoring of prescriptions.
• Introducing regulations limiting prescribing of puberty blockers for gender-affirming care, without affecting other uses.

Goal of Consultation

The Ministry aims to gather input before deciding on safety measures. They seek feedback from organizations representing affected individuals and those involved in applying safety measures.

Specific Questions for Feedback:

• Are additional safety measures needed?
• Should prescribing be further restricted?
• Which young people should receive this treatment if restrictions are applied?
• What could be the impacts of these additional safety measures?