Why sign?

This petition calls on the Government of Ontario to update osteoporosis treatment guidelines to be based on bone density and medical need instead of age alone. By signing, you’re supporting fair, inclusive policies that allow young people with osteoporosis to access the life-changing medications they need. Let’s prevent future health crises and build a stronger, healthier Ontario for all ages.



Did you know?

• Up to 90% of peak bone mass is achieved by age 18 in girls and age 20 in boys, making youth a critical period for building strong bones. Lack of access to osteoporosis treatment for young people can have lasting consequences (National Institutes of Health).
• Approximately 5-10% of osteoporosis cases affect young adults and children due to genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases, and lifestyle factors. This is known as juvenile osteoporosis, and it often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to a focus on older populations (NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center).
• Young people with osteoporosis are more prone to fractures and chronic pain, which can interfere with daily life, education, and work. Lack of treatment during youth increases the risk of severe bone density loss over time (International Osteoporosis Foundation).

My personal story: I was diagnosed with osteoporosis at a young age, a condition often associated with the elderly. But osteoporosis doesn’t just affect seniors; it can impact young adults, teens, and even children due to genetic conditions, autoimmune diseases, and other health factors. Unfortunately, the current treatment and coverage guidelines in Ontario don’t reflect this reality.

Despite the severity of osteoporosis in young people, access to essential medications is often denied because insurance policies and government programs focus on age rather than medical need. This lack of coverage puts young Ontarians at a high risk of fractures, chronic pain, and long-term health complications simply because they don’t fit the typical age criteria.