Nova Scotia premier and health minister silent on teen trans surgeries
Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government is remaining silent on whether it’s funding genital surgeries for teenagers.
Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservative government is remaining silent on whether it’s funding genital surgeries for teenagers, despite mounting evidence suggesting that the province is referring minors to Canada’s largest transgender surgery clinic in Montreal.
Freedom of information records obtained by True North confirmed that Nova Scotia’s current policy allows youth to access irreversible medical treatments without comprehensive psychological assessments or parental consent.
Nova Scotia’s health insurance program has funded genital surgeries for minors, including at least five vaginoplasties performed on teenage patients. Additional procedures, such as oophorectomies and penectomies, were also authorized, though their exact number remains undisclosed.
The province’s Progressive Conservative government has not acknowledged the concerns raised by Canadian physicians. This spring, a group of doctors published a joint statement warning that affirmation-based care lacks sufficient evidence and may cause harm.
“It’s shocking that the NS government seems unaware of this data and is bringing more such questionable care to its citizens,” said Dr. Roy Eappen, one of the signatories.
True North reached out to Premier Tim Houston and Health Minister Michelle Thompson for comment. Neither office responded.