CNS News–In recent developments in Ohio, transgender adults have raised significant concerns regarding proposed administrative rules that could potentially alter their access to gender-affirming care. Governor Mike DeWine announced the rules, which focus on data collection on transgender medical care and altering the treatment protocol for individuals with gender dysphoria.
These changes include a mandatory six-month counseling period for patients under 21 before they can receive further treatment. Vincent-Natasha Gay, a transgender individual residing in central Ohio, expressed a strong stance against the government dictating personal health decisions.
Similarly, Lis Regula from Columbus emphasized the negative impact these rules could have, potentially making Ohio the most restrictive state for transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care. The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus has also intervened, sending a letter to Governor DeWine outlining their concerns.
They fear these rules could obstruct transgender adults’ access to necessary medical care, going beyond the limitations set by House Bill 68. House Bill 68, which aims to ban gender-affirming care for trans youth, was vetoed by DeWine but later overridden by the House.
Ohio transgender adults are deeply concerned Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed administrative rules would make it harder for them to access gender-affirming care.
By @megankhenry https://t.co/BMb0ECt90U
— David DeWitt (@DC_DeWitt) January 18, 2024
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The proposed administrative rules require medical consent from a psychiatrist, endocrinologist, and bioethicist before proceeding with treatment, but they would only apply to new treatments initiated post-enactment. Terry Brown, a trans man, criticized the rules’ focus on adults, pointing out the ambiguity in their language. This vagueness leaves many unanswered questions regarding continuity of care for those who might need to pause their treatment.
The second proposed rule involves data collection around gender-affirming care, leading to privacy concerns among the transgender community, particularly in smaller communities where anonymizing data could be challenging. Ohioans are currently in a position to submit feedback on these proposed rules, highlighting the ongoing debate around the intersection of health care and transgender rights in the state.