Stop off label use of puberty blockers in BC

Every country that honestly examines the use of endocrine disruptors for ‘gender dysphoria’ bans or severely limits their use.  
Are our children different?
Though they’re Not Approved For Use TransCare BC  routinely provides them to children.

Puberty blockers are being used as a primary means of gender affirming care for minors experiencing gender dysphoria. However, there is growing concern among medical professionals, parents, and researchers about the long-term effects and ethics of administering these treatments to young individuals whose bodies and identities are still developing.

Known adverse effects of puberty blockers include:

Skeleton

  loss of bone mineral density (BMD)
  lowered peak BMD
  osteoporosis and osteopenia
  increased risk of fractures
  decreased bone turnover
  periodontal disease

Cardiovascular & Diabetes Risk

  increased risk of heart attack, heart disease, and    stroke
  diabetes mellitus
  metabolic syndrome (MetS)
  lowered resting heart rate
  high blood pressure
  weight gain and increased % body fat
  insulin resistance and higher glycemic markers
  arterial stiffness and arterial plaque
  vasculitis (vein inflammation)
  angina (severe chest pain)

Eyes

cataracts

Thyroid

  impaired thyroid function
changes in TSH, FT3, and FT3/FT4 ratios hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
  thyroiditis

Autoimmunity

  increase in natural killer cells
  increased risk of autoimmune disease
  thyroid autoimmunity
  autoimmune disease in the gut

Digestive System & Urinary Tract

  frequent urination
  bloody urine
  constipation and poor gut motility
  nausea and vomiting
  chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Brain

  intracranial hypertension
  pseudotumor cerebri
  seizures
  pituitary tumors and pituitary apoplexy

Reproductive System & Sexuality

  low libido and chemical castration
  lack of reproductive development
  regression of sexual development
  penile shortening
  infertility
  vaginal dryness
  vaginal bleeding
  polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Cognition & Mental Health

  lowered intelligence and IQ
  memory loss
  impaired working memory
  impaired attention, executive function, and visual spatial ability
  increased risk of dementia
  anxiety and depression
  insomnia and other sleep disorders
  increased emotional reactivity
  increased suicidality
  psychosis
  mania

Pain & Discomfort

  hot flashes
  headaches and migraines
  injection site pain
  sterile abscesses
  injection site granulomas
  fibromyalgia
  muscle spasms
  nerve, joint, and bone pain
  abdominal pain

Research on puberty blockers remains limited, with most studies only examining short-term outcomes. Critics argue that we lack sufficient data on the potential irreversible consequences of delaying natural puberty, such as bone density issues, cognitive development impacts, and fertility implications. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and other reputable sources highlight the necessity for more comprehensive, longitudinal studies before these treatments can be deemed safe for widespread use among minors.

Moreover, ethical questions arise regarding the ability of minors to consent to such life-altering decisions. The Royal College of General Practitioners has expressed concern about the pressure on healthcare providers to prescribe these treatments without exhaustive psychological evaluation and the societal implications of normalizing medical interventions in the natural developmental process of young people.

We understand the need for compassionate and effective care for those experiencing gender dysphoria, but we believe there should be rigorous standards and safeguards in place to protect young individuals. There should be an emphasis on supportive mental health care and thorough counseling as alternatives while more data is gathered.

We urge lawmakers and healthcare authorities to act responsibly by banning the use of puberty blockers for gender affirming care in minors until significant, peer-reviewed research can confirm their safety and efficacy. The long-term welfare of our children depends on making informed and cautious decisions.

Sign this petition to voice your concern and demand change in our healthcare policies regarding the use of puberty blockers for minors. Your support can lead to a future where every child receives safe, ethical, and evidence-based care.