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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Eva Corlett in Wellington, with Reuters

New Zealand bans puberty blockers for young transgender people

A person preparing medication at a table
The drugs will still be available in New Zealand for those with early onset puberty, endometriosis or prostate cancer, as well as for current users. Photograph: Laura Bargfeld/AP

New Zealand has announced it is banning new prescriptions of puberty-blocking drugs for young transgender people, in a move that critics warned could worsen the mental health of those affected.

The step comes amid growing global debate about the number of adolescents seeking to change gender, dividing those concerned about hastiness in prescribing such medications and those worried about access to remedies they deem lifesaving.

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