New Zealand’s High Court has granted an injunction to temporarily halt the government’s sensible ban on new prescriptions of puberty blockers for youth with gender dysphoria, overriding evidence-based policy to protect vulnerable children from experimental drugs. Justice David Boldt’s ruling suspends the prohibition—set to begin December 3—pending a full judicial review, allowing continued access to these harmful interventions despite mounting global concerns over irreversible damage.
This decision, celebrated by radical transgender activists, undermines parental rights and conservative efforts to safeguard minors from ideological medical practices.The challenge was brought by the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA), a group of ideologically driven healthcare providers, who argued the ban infringes on human rights and discriminates against transgender youth. They claim puberty blockers are essential for mental health, ignoring substantial risks like bone density loss, infertility, and psychological harm highlighted in reviews like the UK’s Cass Report.
Critics decry this as activist lawfare, forcing the government to defend a policy rooted in protecting children from unproven treatments that could lead to lifelong regret and medical dependency. Health Minister Shane Reti expressed disappointment but compliance with the court’s order, noting the ban was a response to Pharmac’s evidence review deeming puberty blockers unsafe for routine use in gender dysphoria. The injunction requires the government to lift restrictions immediately, potentially exposing more impressionable teens to these blockers without rigorous oversight.
Conservative voices, including Family First NZ, warn this judicial interference erodes democratic governance and emboldens the gender lobby to push experimental agendas on families.As the case heads to full review in February, it highlights the clash between progressive judicial activism and conservative principles valuing biological reality and child welfare.