Canadian will soon fund gender-affirming surgery nationwide
With New Brunswick now offering coverage for gender-affirming surgeries, Canada provides country-wide health coverage for trans citizens.
“Gender-affirming surgery is a crucial part of a successful transition for many transgender people.”
—Michelle Leard, of the New Brunswick Transgender Health Network and UBU Atlantic, in a statement. On Friday, the notoriously nice country became even friendlier, with every province now providing funds for gender-affirming surgery. New Brunswick Health Minister Victor Boudreau announced that the province will be adapting the Medical Services Payment Act so that procedures for transitioning individuals will be included.
New Brunswick is the last of Canada’s provinces to provide health care for gender-affirming surgery. Boudreau also announced that changes will be made to the Vital Statistics Act in the fall, which will allow transgender individuals to change the gender on their birth certificate.
While New Brunswick’s changes came later than many Canadians expected, our northern neighbors are comfortably outdoing America on the matter, with most of the country severely lacking comprehensive transgender health coverage. The Human Rights Campaign reports that only six states provide trans-inclusive health benefits for state employees.
“Gender dysphoria is a recognized medical condition that, left untreated, can result in high levels of anxiety and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts,” Boudreau stated. “Transgender persons living in New Brunswick are facing challenges in life and in the health-care system.” The changes are an important step in making the challenges of transitioning less burdensome.
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