Get Facial Feminization Surgery Covered on MSP in BC - Like in the Yukon!


Get Facial Feminization Surgery Covered on MSP in BC - Like in the Yukon!
The Issue
We believe that transgender individuals who want FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) or FGAS (Facial Gender Affirming Surgery) should be able to have it covered by MSP / The Government, based on the precedent set by our neighbours to the North in the Yukon. FFS is not cosmetic surgery as is the current view of the government, but very important gender-affirming care for those desire the surgeries. See quotes, links and resources below:
Yukon trans health-care coverage now the most comprehensive in Canada - Fae Johnstone
"This demarcation between 'necessity' and 'cosmetic' in transgender health care based on specific body parts is in direct opposition to the scientific community's understanding of gender dysphoria and professional guidelines for transgender health. GRS affects one's ability to function in an intimate relationship, while FFS has the same impact on social interactions an, therefore may have a far greater implication for one's quality of life. FFS is a cost-effective intervention that needs to be covered by insurance policies. The benefits of such coverage far exceed the insignificant costs." — Alex Dubov & Liana Fraenkel
The Case For Facial Feminization Surgery - Alex V Green
Facial gender confirmation surgery—review of the literature and recommendations for Version 8 of the WPATH Standards of Care - Jens U. Berli, Luis Capitán, Daniel Simon, Rachel Bluebond-Langner, Eric Plemons & Shane D. Morrison
Also, despite WPATH Standards of Care being complicated in how trans individuals view it. It says :
"In recent years, facial GAS (FGAS) has received
increased attention, and current literature supports
its benefits. Eight recent publications include 1 pro-
spective cohort (Morrison et al., 2020), 5 retrospec-
tive cohort (Bellinga et al., 2017; Capitán et al.,
2014; Noureai et al., 2007; Raffaini et al., 2016;
Simon et al., 2022), and 2 cross-sectional studies
(Ainsworth & Spiegel, 2010; van de Grift, Elaut et al., 2018). All 8 studies clearly demonstrated individuals were very satisfied with their surgical
results (between 72% and 100% of individuals).
Additionally, individuals were significantly more
satisfied with the appearance of their face compared
with individuals who had not undergone surgery.
One prospective, international, multicenter, cohort
study found facial GAS significantly improves both
mid- and long-term quality of life (Morrison et al.,
2020). The results were direct and consistent, but
somewhat imprecise because of certain study lim-
itations. While gender-affirming facial surgery for
AFAB individuals is an emerging field, current lim-
ited data points toward equal benefits in select
patients. Future studies are recommended."

5,652
The Issue
We believe that transgender individuals who want FFS (Facial Feminization Surgery) or FGAS (Facial Gender Affirming Surgery) should be able to have it covered by MSP / The Government, based on the precedent set by our neighbours to the North in the Yukon. FFS is not cosmetic surgery as is the current view of the government, but very important gender-affirming care for those desire the surgeries. See quotes, links and resources below:
Yukon trans health-care coverage now the most comprehensive in Canada - Fae Johnstone
"This demarcation between 'necessity' and 'cosmetic' in transgender health care based on specific body parts is in direct opposition to the scientific community's understanding of gender dysphoria and professional guidelines for transgender health. GRS affects one's ability to function in an intimate relationship, while FFS has the same impact on social interactions an, therefore may have a far greater implication for one's quality of life. FFS is a cost-effective intervention that needs to be covered by insurance policies. The benefits of such coverage far exceed the insignificant costs." — Alex Dubov & Liana Fraenkel
The Case For Facial Feminization Surgery - Alex V Green
Facial gender confirmation surgery—review of the literature and recommendations for Version 8 of the WPATH Standards of Care - Jens U. Berli, Luis Capitán, Daniel Simon, Rachel Bluebond-Langner, Eric Plemons & Shane D. Morrison
Also, despite WPATH Standards of Care being complicated in how trans individuals view it. It says :
"In recent years, facial GAS (FGAS) has received
increased attention, and current literature supports
its benefits. Eight recent publications include 1 pro-
spective cohort (Morrison et al., 2020), 5 retrospec-
tive cohort (Bellinga et al., 2017; Capitán et al.,
2014; Noureai et al., 2007; Raffaini et al., 2016;
Simon et al., 2022), and 2 cross-sectional studies
(Ainsworth & Spiegel, 2010; van de Grift, Elaut et al., 2018). All 8 studies clearly demonstrated individuals were very satisfied with their surgical
results (between 72% and 100% of individuals).
Additionally, individuals were significantly more
satisfied with the appearance of their face compared
with individuals who had not undergone surgery.
One prospective, international, multicenter, cohort
study found facial GAS significantly improves both
mid- and long-term quality of life (Morrison et al.,
2020). The results were direct and consistent, but
somewhat imprecise because of certain study lim-
itations. While gender-affirming facial surgery for
AFAB individuals is an emerging field, current lim-
ited data points toward equal benefits in select
patients. Future studies are recommended."

5,652
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on January 25, 2023