Puberty blocker prescribing - College position and member guidance

With the changes to puberty blocker prescribing coming into effect on 19 December 2025, the College is providing the below guidance for members to refer to.

We acknowledge that there are diverse individual views across the membership on the use and prescribing of puberty blockers. However, the College’s position is that patient care and patient safety must be the top priority when serving the health needs of our communities.

As announced by the Minister on 19 November 2025:

• Any patient who is already being prescribed puberty blockers can continue on them.
• Any members who have patients presenting with gender dysphoria should continue to refer them on to the appropriate services as they currently do.
• Patients who are prescribed these medications for other conditions such as precocious puberty, will not be affected.

The College was not consulted about this announcement prior to its release, and we have yet to be informed about the alternative treatment and support options for patients who come to us after these changes come into effect on 19 December 2025.

We are also concerned that this announcement by the Minister represents political intervention in a medical matter.

We will be following up with the Minister’s office for further information and will keep all members informed of any updates regarding the prescribing of puberty blocker medications and alternative treatment and support options that we can offer to our patients.

Read our submission to Ministry of Health, January 2025 - Safety measures for the use of puberty blockers | RNZCGP.

Read media statement from Minister of Health, 19 November - New safeguards for puberty blocker prescribing | Beehive.govt.nz.