CMA 'Bout to Throw Hands Over Alberta's Trans Healthcare Bill 👊

The Deets

Okay, so here's the tea ☕: The Canadian Medical Association (CMA), along with a squad of Alberta doctors, is straight-up challenging Alberta's Bill 26 (aka the Health Statutes Amendment Act) in court. Why? Because they think it's sus and unconstitutional.

Basically, Bill 26 tells doctors how to handle gender-affirming care for minors. The CMA is saying, "Nah, fam, that's not it." They think it's a major intrusion into the sacred doctor-patient bond. Doctors are low-key stressing because they feel like they're being forced to follow the law instead of, like, actual medical guidelines. It's causing a "moral crisis," according to some.

What's actually IN Bill 26? Well, it's got some strict rules. It bans sex reassignment surgeries for anyone under 18. Plus, it limits access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors, too. There are some exceptions for those already getting treatment. Sixteen and 17-year-olds can still get blockers/hormone therapy, but only if their parents and a doctor sign off.

But wait, there's more! The bill also says parents gotta opt-in for sexual education in schools. And if a kid under 15 wants to go by a different name or pronouns? Schools gotta tell their parents. For 16 and 17-year-olds, parents will get notified, but don't have to give the okay.

And it ain't just the CMA throwing shade. Groups like Egale Canada and Skipping Stone have already tried to take down this bill, claiming it violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It's a whole mess, fr fr.

Oh, and did we mention the bill also wants to ban trans women from female sports? Yeah, they're trying to make it so trans women can't compete in sports at different levels. Some people are pissed and are talking about fighting it.

If you need help navigating all this, hit up Kids Help Phone or the Canadian Mental Health Association. They're there to help you out, no cap.