Service NL
December 14, 2017

Gender Neutral Birth Certificate Application Forms Now Available Online

Individuals wishing to apply for a gender-neutral birth certificate can now access the required forms on the Service NL website at www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/birth/changing_your_sex_designation/.

Service NL made a policy change in September to allow individuals to choose an X on their birth certificate. An amendment to the Vital Statistics Act, which eliminated the requirement for those 16 years of age and older to provide a statement from a designated professional with their application for a gender-neutral birth certificate, received Royal Assent on December 7, 2017. No changes were made for applications related to children under age 16.

Information pertaining to the sex of an individual will continue to be collected at birth, in an effort to maintain vital data that is valuable for a population. Personal health service decisions and gender aggregated data is important for informing government policy and programs such as those related to medications or treatments that differ for each sex.

Service NL does not require a fee for an individual to change their birth record to reflect gender-neutrality. However, the fee to obtain an official copy of a new birth certificate is $35 if applying by mail or in person, or $30 if applying online.

Quotes
“Amending the Vital Statistics Act to allow for non-binary birth certificates is an example of our government’s commitment to inclusivity for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It is my sincere hope that this progressive action will serve as an example for others as we seek to achieve a society that values and respects all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Service NL

“This is a proud moment for myself and other non-binary Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, particularly young people out there who are struggling with their own identity and don’t feel they have a place. As John Lennon once said, 'You don't need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are.' I thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for issuing birth certificates that reflect gender neutral status. Working together, we are creating a society where everyone is welcome, and we are doing that today.”
Gemma M. Hickey

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Learn More
Provincial Government Moving Forward with Gender Neutral Birth Certificates – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/0921n05.aspx

Provincial Government Removing Medical Note Requirement for Gender Neutral Birth Certificate Applications – gov.nl.ca/releases/2017/servicenl/1108n04.aspx

Changing Your Sex Designation –www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/birth/changing_your_sex_designation/

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