Labour’s Rainbow spokesperson, Shanan Halbert, has condemned the Government’s decision to halt new prescriptions of puberty blockers for transgender youth, calling it “one of the most damaging and ideological moves we’ve seen in our health system”.
The criticism comes in response to Health Minister Simeon Brown’s announcement that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues will no longer be prescribed to new patients with gender dysphoria, pending the outcome of a UK clinical trial.
Speaking exclusively with YOUR EX, Halbert says the move disregards medical expertise and places vulnerable trans and non-binary young people at increased risk.
“This decision ignores clinical expertise and puts vulnerable trans children and rangatahi directly in harm’s way.”
Halbert reiterated that healthcare decisions should remain in the hands of patients, their families, and their medical professionals—not politicians.
“Your lives should never be used as an ideological football.”
Puberty blockers, which have been used globally for decades to delay puberty in adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria, are prescribed only after comprehensive clinical assessments. Labour argues that the decision to pause their use was driven by political pressures rather than medical advice.
“This Government has removed access—not because clinicians recommended it, but because a coalition partner demanded it. When New Zealand First announces health policy before the Minister, it’s clear this is politics, not healthcare.”
Medical professionals have warned that restricting access to puberty blockers could seriously impact the mental well-being of trans youth.
“Experts with decades of experience warn this ban will worsen mental health, increase dysphoria, and heighten suicidality for trans young people.”
Halbert is calling on the Government to provide urgent support for families affected by the decision, and also pointed out that the Ministry of Health’s own evidence brief did not recommend a ban, and criticised the reliance on overseas trials, which may not be completed until 2031.
“The decisions are inconsistent and don’t make sense. Denying essential care until overseas trials conclude potentially in 2031 is unprecedented and cruel.”
The timing of the announcement—just before Transgender Day of Remembrance—has further fuelled concerns among the rainbow community.
“Announcing this on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance only deepens the harm.”
Halbert concluded with a message of solidarity to trans young people and their whānau.
“I see you, I stand with you, and together we will fight this backwards move. You deserve care grounded in evidence, compassion, and dignity. Mauri Ora.”
