An Ohio law restricting gender-affirming health care for minors under 18 has been upheld by a county judge, allowing it to go into effect. The law prohibits transgender surgeries and hormone therapies for minors, except in cases where a doctor deems it risky to stop ongoing treatments. It also imposes limitations on the mental health services that minors can access.
The legislation was passed by state lawmakers in January, overriding a veto by Republican Governor Mike DeWine. The law also includes provisions barring transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
In his ruling, Judge Michael Holbrook stated that the law serves to reasonably limit parents' rights in making decisions about their children's medical care, aligning with the state's interest in regulating medical practices and treatments.
The ACLU of Ohio has announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that the law denies transgender youth essential health care and constitutes discrimination against their access to it. The lawsuit also contends that the law violates Ohio's single-subject rule for bills by combining two distinct bans.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office defended the law, emphasizing the legislature's authority to protect children from irreversible medical decisions. Governor DeWine, who initially vetoed the law, later expressed concerns about the potential impact on transgender youth's well-being, citing suicide risks associated with untreated gender dysphoria.
Following the veto override, Ohio became the 23rd state to prohibit gender-affirming health care for transgender youth. DeWine had proposed administrative measures to regulate such treatments but faced backlash from transgender adults over potential implications for their health and lives.
Despite these challenges, Ohio lawmakers maintained their support for the law, underscoring their commitment to restricting gender-affirming health care for minors in the state.
