Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Opposes Use of Puberty Blockers for Trans Kids

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed his disapproval on Wednesday regarding the use of puberty blockers for transgender children. Puberty blockers are medications prescribed to temporarily halt puberty in order to give individuals more time to explore their gender identity before considering other interventions, such as hormone therapy or gender transition.

Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill before a Conservative caucus meeting, Poilievre stated that he believes decisions regarding transgender treatments should only be made by adults. He emphasized the importance of protecting children and allowing them to make adult decisions once they reach the appropriate age. Poilievre also emphasized the rights of parents to make decisions concerning their children.

When asked directly if he opposes the use of puberty blockers for individuals under the age of 18, Poilievre affirmed his position. This stance goes further than the proposed policies of Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who suggested imposing restrictions on puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children aged 15 and under.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized Smith’s policies, describing them as “anti-LGBT” and expressing concerns about their potential impact on mental health and increasing suicidal thoughts among teenagers. Trudeau stated that stripping parents and vulnerable youth of the ability to make decisions about their healthcare is rooted in ideology rather than protecting the most vulnerable.

The Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) has acknowledged that gender-affirming medical interventions, including puberty blockers, may be beneficial for some transgender or gender-diverse adolescents. The CPS has associated the use of puberty blockers with lower odds of suicidal ideation and highlights the importance of providing access to these drugs for those who require them.

Poilievre expressed his belief that adults with gender dysphoria should have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies without interference. He accused Trudeau of using trans health care as a divisive issue to divert attention from other pressing concerns, such as rising housing costs and increasing carbon taxes.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh criticized Poilievre and Smith for targeting vulnerable communities and suggested that decisions about medical treatments should be made between individuals and their healthcare providers, rather than being determined by politicians.

The conversation surrounding transgender care was sparked by Smith’s policy announcement, but Poilievre blamed Trudeau for exacerbating public outcry and media attention on the issue. He referred to trans health care as a “divisive wedge” that the Liberal government is using to distract from other pressing matters.