Follow medical, not political guidelines
As healthcare providers, we support the provision of evidence-based care for transgender and genderdiverse youth.
We firmly believe that access to appropriate and timely gender-affirming care is a fundamental human right. Such care is not only lifeaffirming but also essential for the mental and physical wellbeing of transgender and gender-diverse youth. There is a wealth of evidence that shows denying access to appropriate healthcare not only contradicts established medical consensus but also increases the risk of adverse health outcomes in youth including depression, anxiety, self-harm and suicide.
We are deeply concerned about the recent proposal to restrict gender-affirming medical care for youth under 16 in Alberta. This decision goes against internationally recognized medical guidelines that prioritize the health and wellbeing of these patients. These policy changes send the message to vulnerable communities that discrimination is allowed in Alberta. We unequivocally oppose these changes.
The proposal by the Alberta government ignores the advice of Canadian and international medical experts. Leading medical organizations such as the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) have established clear guidelines for the provision of gender-affirming care to minors. These guidelines emphasize the importance of a patient-centered approach, informed consent, and the appropriateness of interventions such as puberty suppression for those who require it. We believe that any policy changes in this domain should be based on the latest scientific evidence and medical best practices. They should not be based on politics.
These proposed restrictions in Alberta will exacerbate existing health disparities and increase the vulnerability of an already marginalized population. We respectfully request that the Alberta Ministry of Health reevaluate its position and align with international guidelines to ensure the health and well-being of all Albertans. This includes transgender and gender-diverse youth.
Signed: Kate Greenaway, MD CCFP FCFP; Caley Shukalek, MD FRCPC ABIM; Joe Raiche, MD; Jake Donaldson, MD; Emma Gibbons, MD; Joanna MacLean, MD PhD FRCPC; Ted Jablonski, MD CCFP FCFP; Amita Mahajan, MD; Norah McKay, MD CCFP; Sana Ghaznavi, MD FRCPC; Kirstie Lithgow, MD FRCPC; David Gibbs, MD Psychiatry; Jonathan Dawrant, MD Endocrinology; Nathalie Saad, MD; Shannon Ruzycki, MD assistant professor and general internist; Laura Hinz, MD MSc FRCPC Endocrinologist; Julia Chronopolous, MD CCFP FCFP; Maya Nishiwaki MD; Dylan Moulton, PharmD Clinical Pharmacist; Kim McLaren, hospital social worker; Grant Picarillo, nurse practitioner; Tiffany Crisp, nurse practitioner; Jackie Avelino, nurse practitioner; Laura Ewanishan, nurse practitioner; Sania AmiriIshani, nurse practitioner; Richelle Foraie, nurse practitioner; Natasha Meadus, nurse practitioner; Simone Greco, nurse practitioner; Krisel Abulencia, RN; Moe Hussein, RN; Carolyn McGovern, RN; Joanna Arent, RN; Vonnie Lee, RN; Cyril Gauvin, RN; Cindi Noble, RN; Kristen Stevens, RN; Jody Wright, Nurse Clinician; Krista Power, RN; Kellea Selmser, RN; Ashley Weinberger, RN; Eva Legare, RN; Kimberly Mouwen, RN; Deborah Thorne, RN; Heather Gliva, RN; Shaknoz Niezova, RN; Lonee Shaw, RN; Shannon Beavis, RN; Faustina Zietara, RN; Kemo Terzic, RN