Statement on today’s announcement about gender-confirming surgery

Today’s announcement from the provincial government brings New Brunswick in line with the rest of Canada’s provinces to insure gender-confirming surgery by Medicare. Issues related to gender identity are increasingly common in New Brunswick and in Canada, and Medicare insurance for this service will make it more accessible for people who would benefit from it.

The New Brunswick Medical Society has long advocated for patient-centred care, and believes both the patient and the physician should be partners in determining what options best suit the patient’s needs. Some patients may believe that gender-confirming surgery is the best option for them, and having the service insured by Medicare ensures that patients considering it can focus on the clinical aspects involved and less about the financial barriers.

John Whelan, MD FRCPC
President, New Brunswick Medical Society