Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine has issued an executive order banning gender-transition surgeries for minors, a decision that comes after he recently vetoed broader legislation that aimed to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The ban, which takes immediate effect, was motivated by DeWine’s belief that parents should be the ones making important medical decisions for their children rather than the government.
Although there is little evidence of these surgeries being performed on children, DeWine stated that the executive order gives assurance that such procedures will not be allowed. Gender-affirming care has become a contentious issue across several states, leading to a surge in anti-LGBTQ bills in 2023. While Democratic-led states have sought to protect transgender youth, Republican-led legislatures have implemented bans and other restrictive measures.
The types of gender-affirming care available vary based on the recipient’s age and goals, and are considered the standard of care by mainstream medical associations. In addition to the ban, Governor DeWine revealed that the Ohio Department of Health and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will establish new rules for minors and adults seeking transition-related care, following a public comment period.
By vetoing the broader legislation, DeWine acknowledged the concerns raised in the bill and expressed his intent to address them using administrative rules. The bill, passed by state lawmakers prior to the holiday break, aimed to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.
The governor’s decision to veto the bill was celebrated by LGBTQ+ advocates, with the Human Rights Campaign considering it a significant victory for transgender youth and their families in Ohio.
In summary, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has issued an executive order prohibiting gender-transition surgeries for minors. This comes after he vetoed legislation that aimed to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The ban is in line with DeWine’s belief that parents should have the authority to make crucial medical decisions for their children. The scale of these surgeries being performed on minors is minimal, but the executive order provides additional assurance. Gender-affirming care has become an issue of contention, with opposing approaches from Democratic-led and Republican-led states. The new rules announced by DeWine for transition-related care will undergo public input. The vetoed bill also targeted transgender athletes’ participation in girls’ and women’s sports. The veto has been received positively by LGBTQ+ advocates, marking a notable win for trans youth and their families in Ohio.