On December 30, 2023, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed legislation that would restrict healthcare for young children experiencing gender dysphoria and prohibit transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams.
Bill 68
Bill 68 was approved in both chambers of the Ohio legislature earlier in December and would have prevented doctors from prescribing hormones, puberty blockers, or gender-affirming surgery before patients turn 18 years old.
What is gender-affirming healthcare?
Gender-affirming healthcare includes everything from modern therapy to hormone treatment to surgery (in rare cases). It is important to note that adults experiencing gender dysphoria make up less than 2% of the U.S. population. Approximately 5% of youth identify as transgender or non-binary.
What is gender-affirming surgery?
Like all gender-affirming healthcare, surgeries and whether they should be performed is a very personal decision. There are several types of surgical procedures that an individual may undergo, referred to as “gender-affirming surgeries” by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Impact of access to gender-affirming healthcare on youth
The Hormone Professionals Association praised DeWine’s move. According to a press release from the organization shared with USA TODAY on Friday, the law would conflict with scientific evidence and mainstream medical practice.
What’s next for gender-affirming healthcare in Ohio?
Access to gender-affirming healthcare only impacts the lives of young children experiencing gender dysphoria and their parents, according to Jack Drescher, a clinical psychology professor at Columbia University who focuses on gender and gender identity. He stated that decisions regarding care are personal and made solely by the families and medical professionals who care for them.
Source: https://www.aol.com/gender-affirming-health-care-focus-190647053.html
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