Smith wants to protect medical choice while stripping it away

In the last few weeks, Premier Danielle Smith has announced two policy updates that completely contradict each other. One reaffirms bodily autonomy, while the other strips transgender youth of their autonomy. 

On September 24, Smith announced her plans to amend the Alberta Bill of Rights. The Alberta Bill of Rights protects certain rights and freedoms of Albertans under provincial law. Smith plans to make an amendment to protect an individual’s right to choose whether or not to get vaccinated.

“In recent years, we’ve seen the challenges and hardship that can arise when the right to bodily autonomy is not adequately protected,” Smith stated in her video. 

She proposed changes to legislation to improve “bodily autonomy.” But then, just six days later, she announced possible legislation that takes away the bodily autonomy of trans youth. The policies would restrict access to medical gender-affirming care and gender expression in schools.

In terms of medical restrictions, the legislation would prohibit youth under the age of 16 from using puberty blockers, regardless of parental consent. Puberty blockers are a medical way to temporarily prevent puberty for gender-questioning youth. The effects of puberty blockers are reversible. This legislation would also only allow hormone treatment for children aged 16 or 17 with parental, psychologist, and doctoral approval. It would also prohibit any gender reassignment surgery for those under the age 18. This is currently not happening in Alberta.

All of this sounds like bodily regulation, not bodily autonomy. If Smith wants to protect Albertans’ medical autonomy, how can she deny that to trans youth?

In schools, parents would have to opt their children in for discussions of gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation. Previously, schools have used an opt-out requirement for sexual education. Additionally, for those 15 and younger, teachers and staff members would need to acquire parental permission to use a student’s preferred name and pronouns. For students aged 16 and 17, staff would not need parental permission but would still have to notify parents.

So not only does this restrict gender-affirming medical care for trans youth — Smith also wants to restrict youth’s ability to safely express their gender. This doesn’t make much sense for someone so excited about “protecting the rights and freedoms” of Albertans.

In Smith’s initial announcement of these policies, she stated that she believes parents would still love and support their child even if they disagree with them on this topic. Anecdotally, this is not true. There is a history of youth homelessness because guardians have kicked children out for being 2SLGBTQIA+. According to the Government of Canada Social Sciences and Research Council, 40 per cent of youth experiencing homelessness identify as 2SLGBTQIA+. Smith wants to protect unvaccinated people from losing their jobs, but she is ignoring the potential increase in queer youth homelessness her policies could cause. 

The Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) has expressed its concern for the harm these policies may cause. So has the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression Council. The wider 2SLGBTQIA+ community has greatly discouraged these policies through protests and testimonials. Smith has been ignoring these statements. She said in her initial video that it’s dangerous to children for adults to say her policies are harmful to or targeting trans youth. Smith has shown her willingness to listen to anti-vax protestors, yet she’s ignoring teachers, medical professionals, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. She has even declared their words as dangerous. 

Smith continues to boast about the importance of individual autonomy in medical procedures and vaccinations. Yet, she’s ready to strip away the autonomy of trans youth, despite widespread concerns. It seems she only wants people to have control over their bodies in certain situations. It is hypocritical for a politician pushing for personal freedom to only allow some people to have those freedoms. Smith’s upcoming leadership review is likely fuelling both these policies. It seems Smith’s goal is to win political points, not to protect medical autonomy. 

Is Smith really protecting personal autonomy and freedom for Albertans, or only the personal choices she approves of?