Ohio's New Transgender Care Regulations Spark Controversy

Medical Professionals and Advocacy Organizations Argue the New Law Imposes Unethical Restrictions on Transgender Care

Governor Mike DeWine's proposal for additional regulations on transgender care for Ohioans is generating friction between medical leaders and the government. Critics argue that the new regulations do not align with established standards for best practices in transgender medicine and could jeopardize patient privacy and autonomy.
The new law, HB 68, bans all gender affirming care in minors and prohibits transgender girls and women from playing female sports. It also proposes additional regulations that affect not just minors, but adults as well.
Under the new law and DeWine’s separate proposal, regulations would require that doctors treating transgender patients report all the procedures they perform to the state. They also require that all gender affirming care providers have a contract with a psychologist and an endocrinologist and that all patients require a care plan that is reviewed by a medical ethicist.
Medical professionals and advocacy organizations argue that the restrictions represent a de facto ban on care for transgender youth and adults, imposing roadblocks to those seeking gender affirming care. They also raise concerns about the ethical implications of the regulations, particularly in relation to patient privacy and autonomy.
Despite the controversy, the law has been passed with a landslide vote in the Senate, following a successful override of DeWine's veto in the House. The law is expected to take effect in roughly 90 days.