Parents of transgender kids want Alberta government to stay out of medical decisions
CBC
Some parents of transgender children say the Alberta government's policy changes affecting transgender and non-binary youth will interfere with the medical treatment their children need.
On Wednesday, Premier Danielle Smith introduced Alberta's new policy, which includes restrictions on puberty blockers and hormones for children 15 and under.
The Alberta Medical Association's pediatric section says there are benefits for patients to start puberty blockers as soon as they show signs as it will make future surgeries less invasive. Bottom surgery is always performed on patients 18 and older.
Two Edmonton-area mothers, both with 10-year-old daughters, worry what Smith's new policy will mean for them.
Catie Jones's daughter Samantha felt safe enough to tell her parents she was a girl.
Jones said she was terrified to learn the province plans to restrict the use of medication for youth 15 and under.
"The first time I read details of the policy, specifically the one restricting access to puberty blockers and hormone treatments, I burst into tears," she said.
Jones said her daughter is already showing signs of depression, anxiety and gender dysphoria. Jones said Samantha feels uncomfortable and doesn't want to look at herself in the mirror.
Jones said her daughter was furious after learning what Smith announced on Wednesday.
Anna Paranich's daughter Ellie knew she was a girl since she was two years old, Now 10, Ellie is in the same boat as Samantha.
Paranich said Smith is spreading misinformation about puberty blockers by telling people that the effects are irreversible when they aren't.
Paranich said it's recommended for trans children to start taking medication as soon as they start showing signs of puberty and she thinks Ellie is about 18 months away from that transition point. Paranich said Ellie has been seeing a specialist at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton for two years.
Watch| Parents of transgender children push back on Alberta policies:
Paranich said she plans to fight Smith's changes but will go elsewhere to get the medication Ellie needs.
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