Sex-dissuader Drug Being Tested In Chch (Press, 18 January 1975)
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Summary: Sex-dissuader Drug Being Tested In Chch (Press, 18 January 1975)
New Zealand doctors are currently conducting tests on a pill known to reduce sexual drive, specifically targeting individuals with a history of sexual offences. The drug, cyprosterone, commonly referred to by its trade name Androcur, has been used internationally to control the sexual urges of rapists and sex offenders. The hopes surrounding this drug are significant, with advocates suggesting it could potentially allow for the release of some sex offenders from prisons and mental health institutions without posing a risk to the community. In Christchurch, two leading specialists including a psychiatrist have been administering the drug in select cases involving sexual offences, with results expected to be published soon. The Medical Research Council in New Zealand has given the green light for these tests, which aim to support a future application for the drug’s approval from the Health Department for marketing within the country. Androcur is already accessible in Britain as part of the National Health Scheme. The drug has been developed by the West German pharmaceutical company Schering, which has expressed optimism for its initial use among hospital specialists prior to broader distribution. Recent voluntary tests conducted on inmates at Wormwood Scrubs prison in Britain indicated that the drug effectively helps prevent repeat offences in approximately 80 percent of cases. Its efficacy spans various forms of sexual misconduct, including indecent assault, exhibitionism, incest, child molestation, and homosexual assaults. Psychiatrists involved in the research suggest that if Androcur proves effective, the reliance on incarceration for those convicted of such offences may decrease. This could potentially allow for the conditional release of some patients currently held in institutions, leading to considerable taxpayer savings through reduced costs associated with long-term incarceration. Overall, the ongoing trials in New Zealand reflect a growing interest in utilising pharmacological interventions to manage recidivism among sexual offenders.
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