(The Center Square) – Senate Democrats want Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to reconsider proposed rules on transgender health care they say effectively creates a ban.
In a letter to DeWine, the Senate Democratic Caucus highlighted what it sees as problems with the proposed rules that could restrict access to life-saving care and close clinics.
“While these rules may have been drafted with the intention of taking a more pragmatic approach than the Legislature, in reality, this proposal could make it more difficult for trans-Ohioans to receive the life-saving medical care that they need,” the letter said. “The proposed rules go even further than House Bill 68 by interfering with the lives and medical care of both trans children and trans adults.”
Democrats also said transgender children and adults could be pushed on a wait list for care, and the entire proposal is government overreach.
“Many of these proposed restrictions are extreme, burdensome, and not evidence-based,” the letter said. “They will make access to care so difficult that such care is effectively banned. These medical decisions should continue to be left to parents and individuals in consultation with their health care providers.”
The rules are up for public comment.
DeWine vetoed a bill in late December that would have banned transgender surgery on minors and gender-affirming care, such as hormone blockers and hormone replacement therapy, and created single-sex athletic teams. Then, he enacted a ban on transgender surgeries for minors and proposed a series of new rules for public comment.
The rules for the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction include protections for adults and children receiving transgender care in the state hospitals that would stop what DeWine called “fly-by-night” providers or clinics giving out medications without quality care.
The rules would also require multi-disciplinary teams at hospitals to provide support care, including psychiatrists and a comprehensive plan of the risks associated with the treatment and required mental health counseling.
Earlier this month, the Republican-dominated House voted to override that veto 65-28.
The Senate, with a 26-Republican supermajority, needs 20 votes to override. It’s scheduled to be in session Wednesday.
