Toronto, Canada
— Transsexuals are calling on Ontario to cover
the cost of sex changes, saying it's a matter of human
rights.
Martine Stonehouse - who
is in the final stages of her sex-change operation - says
the cost of the surgery is minor compared to the
suffering and mental anguish of those who can't afford
the operation.
Stonehouse had begun the
procedure when Ontario cancelled coverage of the
operation in 1998, but recently was awarded the cost of
her operation from the Human Rights Tribunal.
She says coverage should
be extended to everyone.
Greta Bauer, a professor
at the University of Western Ontario, says the procedure
is medically necessary and the government cancelled
coverage out of prejudice.
But Health Minister
George Smitherman says Ontario is not considering joining
provinces like Alberta and Manitoba, where tax dollars
pay for sex changes.
