The Ohio Senate has voted to override Republican Governor Mike DeWine’s veto on a bill that imposes restrictions on transition-related medical care for transgender minors and their participation in school sports teams. With a 23-9 vote, this bill will become law in 90 days. The Ohio House had previously voted 65-28, along party lines, to override the governor’s veto.
Ohio now joins a growing number of states with laws that limit minors’ access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy, as well as restrict transgender girls and women from participating in women’s school sports teams. The passing of this bill has significant implications for healthcare providers, who could face disciplinary action, and allows students to sue their schools or related organizations if they feel their athletic opportunities have been impacted by the participation of transgender students.
The transgender advocacy group TransOhio has reported that trans individuals and their families are experiencing significant distress due to this legislation, with some even planning to leave the state. The government’s actions are forcing these families to uproot their lives, sell their homes, and make drastic changes to their careers. The personal and community trauma caused by this cruel legislation is deeply concerning.
Supporters of the bill claim that individuals cannot change their gender and deny the existence of a gender spectrum. They argue that gender-affirming care and treatments for gender dysphoria are unnecessary and potentially harmful. However, major medical associations, such as the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Psychological Association, support minors’ access to gender-affirming care and oppose state bans.
While Ohio’s law does make an exception for minors who were already receiving gender-affirming care before the effective date of the bill, the administrative rules announced by Governor DeWine may create further barriers. These rules require trans patients under the age of 21 to undergo at least six months of therapy before accessing puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgery. Additionally, a multidisciplinary team of physicians needs to be involved in a trans patient’s treatment plan.
Critics argue that these rules are unnecessary bureaucracy and create additional hurdles for individuals seeking gender-affirming care. The public has the opportunity to provide feedback on these rules before they take effect.
It is important to note that expert medical organizations emphasize the importance of gender-affirming care and oppose state-imposed restrictions. This legislation and the subsequent administrative rules will impact the lives of transgender individuals and their families, potentially limiting their access to necessary medical care.
For more information, visit F5mag.com.