The Ontario Medical Association, the representative of Ontario’s physicians, has released a policy position paper that says, in part:
“The OMA stands with medical societies and physician experts to ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ people have unimpeded access to medically necessary evidence-based care, and recognize that gender-affirming care significantly enhances health and social outcomes.”
—Ontario Medical Association
The statement can be found at https://www.oma.org/advocacy/oma-policy-positions in the section Health systems under the title Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ people.
We cannot link directly to the statement, and so for the sake of accessibility have reproduced it here:
Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ people
March, 2024The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and its members stand resolutely in support of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. As the voice of Ontario’s physicians, the OMA is proud to support all Ontarians in ensuring they receive culturally safe and affirming care, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation.
The OMA underscores its support for physicians in upholding the highest standards of medical ethics and practice with regard to the inherent dignity of all people. We recognize that sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are fundamental aspects of human diversity, and protected under Ontario’s Human Rights Code. Furthermore, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario requires physicians to take reasonable steps to ensure their practice is culturally safe, inclusive, and accessible for all patients, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.1
The ability to safely express fundamental aspects of a person’s identity is integral to achieving overall well-being and health. In the face of anti-2SLGBTQ+ bigotry and discrimination, the OMA condemns hatred in all its forms. We embrace diversity in its broadest sense, understanding that it is not merely a societal benefit but a moral imperative and is accompanied by legally protected human rights. It is our unwavering belief that all individuals, especially those encountering substantial barriers and discrimination, deserve acceptance and the freedom to live authentically. Our vision is of a society where 2SLGBTQ+ people experience absolute freedom from discrimination and harassment.
The OMA unreservedly supports the following:
- Training and support for all health-care professionals: Advocating for accessible training and ongoing support for all physicians and other health-care professionals to ensure their practices are not only safe but welcoming and affirming for 2SLGBTQ+ patients, families, and staff. Physicians should acknowledge their position within their communities and continuously be aware of the power imbalances that may exist in relation to the 2SLGBTQ+ community
- Authentic presence for 2SLGBTQ+ physicians: Affirming the right of all 2SLGBTQ+ physicians, and all other workers in Ontario, to bring their whole selves to work environments that are free from discrimination, bias, and judgement based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
- Equitable access to supportive care for 2SLGBTQ+ persons: Human rights demand that care decisions are rooted in evidence-based practices and expert consensus-based medicine. Decisions must be guided by the expertise of physicians and the unique needs and experiences of patients. The OMA affirms that the care of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals must be left in the hands of patients and their trusted physician experts. This relationship requires the utmost protection from ideological intrusions. The OMA stands with medical societies and physician experts to ensure that 2SLGBTQ+ people have unimpeded access to medically necessary evidence-based care,2,3,4,5 and recognize that gender-affirming care significantly enhances health and social outcomes6
- Policy for overall well-being: Advocating for comprehensive policies that enhance the mental, physical, and social well-being of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals
As an organization dedicated to the principles of equity, respect, and diversity, the OMA is committed to actively collaborating with representatives of the 2SLGBTQ+ community to transform this position statement into tangible actions that safeguard the rights and well-being of all.
For assistance with understanding the terminology used in this statement, we encourage you to review the comprehensive glossary that is maintained by Rainbow Health Ontario.
References:
1 https://www.cpso.on.ca/en/Physicians/Policies-Guidance/Policies/Human-Rights-in-the-Provision-of-Health-Services
—Policy statement “Supporting 2SLGBTQ+ people” of the Ontario Medical Association
2 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10567-021-00344-6
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9341318/
4 https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/gender-affirming-care-saves-lives
5 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2789423
6 https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(21)00139-5/fulltext