Publicly Funded Sex Reassignment Surgery Available April 1

Starting today, April 1, the government will cover eight types of sex reassignment surgeries for Nova Scotians who intend to begin that process.

"Transgender Nova Scotians face unique challenges in the health-care system, as they do in life," said Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine. "I hope this move will help those for whom sex reassignment surgery is an important part of their transition."

Last May, Nova Scotia became the eighth Canadian province to announce it would publicly fund sex reassignment surgery.

"Gender confirming surgery is an important part of a successful transition for many transgender people. These are medically necessary procedures and have been proven to improve health, well-being and quality of life," said Kate Shewan, vice-chair of the Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project.

"This government funding will make a challenging health and wellness situation a lot easier for Nova Scotians who require this surgery."

Nova Scotians who intend to access publicly funded sex reassignment surgery can start by talking to their family doctor. After that, they will work with their doctor and other health-care professionals to get any necessary counselling, and to develop a transition plan.

For more information on sex reassignment surgery in Nova Scotia, please visit www.novascotia.ca/dhw .

If you are interested in sex reassignment surgery but do not have a family physician, Capital District Health Authority's prideHealth program maintains a list of physicians who provide respectful and welcoming care. More details can be found at, www.cdha.nshealth.ca/phsafeproviders/ .