Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH) has issued an executive order that puts a stop to gender-affirming care for minors at hospitals and surgical facilities in the state. This move comes after DeWine's recent veto of Ohio House Bill 68, also known as the Enact Ohio Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act. The legislation aimed to regulate medical interventions for transgender youth, including hormone therapy and puberty blockers for those under 18, but faced opposition from DeWine, who expressed concerns about potential government overreach.
The governor's decision to veto House Bill 68 drew criticism from various quarters, including former President Donald Trump and other conservatives. Trump, taking to Truth Social, accused DeWine of succumbing to the Radical Left and announced that he would no longer introduce the governor at rallies. Bernie Moreno, a Trump-backed U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio, condemned DeWine's action as "child abuse" and called for the Ohio Legislature to override the veto promptly.
State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester) also expressed disappointment with DeWine's decision, pledging to work towards overriding the veto to "protect Ohio's children." In response to the criticism, DeWine invited lawmakers to revisit the legislation, signaling a willingness to engage in dialogue and explore potential compromises.
| Gov. Mike DeWine (R, OH) File Photo |
A week after facing criticism, Governor DeWine asserted, "Parents, not the government, should be making these very crucial medical decisions for their children." Beyond the provisions of House Bill 68, DeWine outlined additional measures to safeguard the quality and consistency of care for patients of all ages.
Key measures announced by Governor DeWine include requiring a multi-disciplinary team, including psychologists, bioethicists, and psychiatrists, to support individuals through gender-affirming care. A comprehensive care plan, ensuring sufficient informed consent from patients and parents, will be mandatory, including a detailed discussion of the risks associated with treatment. Individuals will also be required to undergo comprehensive and lengthy mental health counseling before considering any treatment, addressing the crucial aspect of mental well-being.
Governor DeWine expressed concerns about potential "Fly by Night" providers dispensing medication without proper counseling and standards. The proposed rules prevent such scenarios, fostering a more secure patient environment. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health will implement rules for healthcare providers to report de-identified aggregate data on cases of gender dysphoria and subsequent treatments.
In response to concerns about the executive order's potential impact on necessary surgeries for minors, Governor DeWine clarified that the restrictions specifically target gender transition surgeries, with no interference intended for other essential medical procedures for minors. He announced an immediate ban on gender transition surgeries for minors through emergency rules, highlighting the flexibility provided by Ohio law for urgent actions in the interest of public safety.
The governor addressed concerns about the temporary nature of executive orders, stating his openness to legislative action to enshrine these measures into law for lasting impact. He emphasized the importance of the discussed rules and executive orders in providing essential protections and ensuring the quality of care for all patients in Ohio.