Relief, Vindication and Hope — Speak Up for Women Welcome New Safeguards on Puberty Blocker Prescribing

“These changes give young people the protection they deserve. The evidence simply hasn’t supported the use of puberty blockers for gender incongruence, and we’re relieved to see New Zealand taking a more cautious, responsible approach. We especially want to thank the parents, advocates and community groups who fought tirelessly to make this shift happen — often at great personal cost.” - Suzanne Levy SUFW

November 20 2025

Speak Up for Women welcome yesterday's Government announcement introducing new safeguards for the prescribing of puberty blockers to young people experiencing gender incongruence.

After years of advocating for evidence-based policy and stronger protections for children, families and women’s rights, we are relieved, vindicated, and deeply hopeful.

A Long-Overdue Step Toward Safety and Clarity

Today’s announcement acknowledges what international health authorities across Europe have already recognised: the evidence for puberty blockers in treating gender incongruence is weak, the risks are significant, and a precautionary approach is essential.

These safeguards bring New Zealand back into alignment with leading international practice, including the UK, Sweden, Finland and Norway.

What the New Measures Mean

• New patients seeking puberty blockers for gender incongruence will not be eligible until major UK clinical trial results are available, after 2031.

• Current youth gender services will continue.

• A centralised online resource will provide families with clearer information.

• Prescribing for unrelated medical conditions remains unchanged.

Our Ongoing Concern: Young People Already on Puberty Blockers

While we welcome the restrictions, we remain deeply concerned that young people already on puberty blockers will stay on treatment by default.

Given mounting international evidence of potential harms — including impacts on bone density, brain development, sexual function and fertility — it is not enough to close the gate to new entrants while leaving existing patients on a pathway that may cause long-term harm.

Speak Up for Women calls on the Government and health services to:

• Actively review all existing cases,

• Provide clear, balanced information to families,

• Offer structured, compassionate support to help young people safely phase out, where appropriate,

• And ensure that safeguarding applies equally to all young people, not just those entering care from December 19th 2025 onward.

• Review the Conversion Practices legislation to provide clarity and support for gender exploration therapy and parental rights around ‘Watchful Waiting’.

The Urgent Need to Strengthen Youth Mental Health Services

These safeguards make it clearer than ever that New Zealand must urgently improve its seriously underfunded mental health system.

For years, young people in distress have faced long waitlists and limited access to counselling or psychological support. If we want them to thrive, they must have timely, high-quality mental health care — not years of delay, uncertainty or confusion.

We urge the Government to:

• Boost funding for youth mental health;

• Ensure access to comprehensive psychological assessment and support;

Strong mental health support is essential for helping young people navigate distress safely and with confidence.

Acknowledging Those Who Stood Up

Today’s shift would not have been possible without the many groups, organisations and individuals who have stuck their necks out to raise concerns.

We thank:

• Gender-critical organisations across New Zealand,

• Concerned parents who refused to stay silent,

• Detransitioners and families who bravely shared their experiences,

• Academics, women’s groups, clinicians and community advocates who endured hostility for speaking out.

Their persistence, integrity and courage have played a crucial role in bringing New Zealand back toward responsible, child-centred policy.

Why Speak Up for Women Supports These Changes

Our mission is to protect sex-based rights and ensure that law and policy are grounded in evidence, reality and safeguarding.

For years, many New Zealanders were dismissed simply for asking reasonable questions. Today’s announcement signals a turning point toward clarity and responsible decision-making.

A Win for Children, Parents and Women’s Rights

This is not just a health policy adjustment. It represents a broader re-alignment of public policy with evidence, safeguarding and human rights.

We are hopeful this marks the beginning of a much-needed reset across government agencies.

Speak Up for Women will continue to:

• Advocate for clear, evidence-based laws where sex matters;

• Support parents and the public seeking factual information;

• Defend women’s and girls’ rights across all areas of policy;

• Call for strong safeguarding for all young people affected by gender ideology;

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• Hold government agencies accountable for transparent, responsible decision-making.

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