Four Ontario NDP MPPs tabled a bill to require the health minister establish a transgender healthcare advisory committee. .The bill defines gender affirming healthcare as procedures, medical treatments, and referral processes aligning patients’ bodies and appearances with their gender identity. It said the health minister will be required to establish the advisory committee no more than 60 days after it passes. .Ontario NDP MPPs Lise Vaugeois, Terence Kernaghan, Jill Andrew, and Kristyn Wong-Tam tabled the bill. It remains on first reading vote as of Friday. .The bill said the minister shall ensure the committee includes transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people; healthcare workers with experience treating these communities; and other members who he or she believes will make useful contributions. It said the lieutenant governor in council can provide remuneration or expenses to any person appointed to the committee. .The committee will make recommendations to the minister about improving access to and coverage for gender affirming healthcare. Some of the matters it will look into are how to enhance coverage and access for gender affirming healthcare, how to improve prerequisites and procedures, and how to ensure a range of services are available to meet transgender people’s needs. .In performing its functions, the committee will consult groups such as primary care providers, Rainbow Health Ontario, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the Canadian Professional Association for Transgender Health, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and any other relevant stakeholders. .The bill said the committee will report its recommendations to the minister six months after starting. It said the minister will inform the Ontario Legislature of the recommendations he or she wants it to implement. .It will come into force on the day it receives royal assent. .The United States Food and Drug Administration warned puberty blockers have serious risks to children in August. .READ MORE: FDA warns of vision loss, brain swelling, serious risks for children on puberty blockers.Six young girls between the age of five and 12 developed pseudotumor cerebri, which displays symptoms similar to a brain tumour while using puberty blockers..The girls’ symptoms included visual disturbances, headaches, vomiting, increased blood pressure, brain swelling, and cranial nerve damage.
