Alberta Is Focusing on Scientific Evidence to Understand Gender

Commentary

Despite its recent decline in credibility, the phrase “follow the science” remains our most reliable approach to uncovering truths in the physical sciences.

The concept of science, if we are to have confidence in it, must be accurately defined and understood; it is fundamentally a dynamic process, a constant pursuit of truth that is never settled and is willing to cast aside old theories in the face of new evidence.

It is in this context, under the scrutiny of rigorous scientific examination, that Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s three new legislative proposals regarding gender policies should be considered, despite the criticism they have received from detractors.

Bill 26, known as the Health Statutes Amendment Act, aims to prohibit the use of puberty blockers and cross-gender hormones to treat gender dysphoria in children under the age of 15. It allows minors aged 16 and 17 to receive these treatments for gender “reassignment” and “affirmation” purposes only with parental, physician, and psychologist consent. The bill also bans health professionals from performing sex reassignment surgeries on minors.

Bill 27, the Education Amendment Act, seeks to affirm parents’ rights to be informed if their children change their names/pronouns at school and gives parents the ability to choose what kind of gender and sex education their children receive in school.

And Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sports Act, is designed to protect female athletes by ensuring that women and girls can compete in female-only divisions, while also promoting co-ed opportunities to support transgender athletes.

Each of these initiatives is justified based on the science behind “gender care” and the clear advantages that a male body provides to biological males competing in sports.

The idea that a combination of puberty blockers, cross-gender hormones, and surgical interventions leads to improved health was originally proposed by Dutch researchers to alleviate the distress of transgender adults dealing with incongruencies between their appearance and gender identity. Initially, this hypothesis seemed reasonable.

However, as the UK’s Cass Review revealed in detail last spring, this approach lacked evidence support and has resulted in significant harm to youth. As Finnish psychiatrist Riittakerttu Kaltiala, a key figure in Finland’s gender program, stated last year, “Gender affirming care is dangerous. I know, because I helped pioneer it.”

Many European countries, including Sweden, Finland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, have consequently moved away from the “gender affirming care” approach for youth.

It is prudent for Canadians to exercise caution, and for parents to be informed if their children are being exposed to these theories in school or if their children are affected by these practices.

Despite this, the Canadian medical community remains steadfast in their support of the drug-and-surgery-based gender-affirming care model, asserting that it is based on evidence.

In response to a question about whether these decisions should be left to doctors and patients, Premier Smith stated:

“I would say doctors aren’t always right.”

This is an understatement, as evidenced by the opioid crisis, historical medical missteps like the frontal lobotomy, thalidomide disaster, and “recovered memories of sexual abuse” scandal.

While we advocate for self-regulation in the medical field and respect the privacy of medical decisions between doctors and patients, there are occasions when external intervention may be necessary in the interest of public safety and patient wellbeing.

The discussion on transgender issues should not be a partisan matter, although it has become one in Canada. Notably, the UK’s Labour Party continued the cautious approach of the previous administration following the Cass Review.

Premier Smith’s new policies are sensible, aligning with the stance taken by European counterparts. None of these initiatives are “anti-trans”; rather, they prioritize children, women, and fairness in sports. It is challenging to find fault with such an approach.

Dr. J. Edward Les, MD, is a pediatrician in Calgary, senior fellow at the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy, and co-author of  Teenagers, Children, and Gender Transition Policy: A Comparison of Transgender Medical Policy for Minors in Canada, the United States, and Europe.