Doctor Denied Trans Teen Life-Saving Puberty Blocker

A recent ruling by the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal found a family doctor discriminated against a young transgender patient, awarding $28,100 in damages. The complaint against Dr. Henry Ajaero involved a 14-year-old patient, known as Child Q, who was prescribed Lupron to pause puberty.

In March 2021, Dr. Ajaero refused to administer the Lupron injection, stating discomfort with providing care for what he perceived as 'gender reassignment' due to religious and cultural beliefs. He also cited concerns about his expertise. Child Q and her mother left the clinic and found a walk-in facility to receive the injection, crucial for her treatment plan.

The tribunal also noted Child Q was misgendered and deadnamed during her visit, despite her mother's objections. The ruling highlighted the patient's precarious mental health, including suicidal ideation, at the time of the incident.

Dr. Ajaero's defense of religious freedom and lack of qualification was not accepted by the tribunal, which found he relied on assumptions and had previously supported some of Child Q's gender-affirming care. The damages include $20,000 for injury to dignity and $8,100 for expert evidence costs.