For Immediate Release

April 16, 2024

Contact: MD Sitzes, Communications Manager, Equality Ohio media@equalityohio.org 

Ohio Courts Restore Access to Healthcare for Transgender Youth

Today, a Franklin County judge issued a temporary restraining order to prevent House Bill 68 from taking effect while the court considers a provision in the bill that bans medically necessary care for transgender youth. 

Maria Bruno, Public Policy Director of Equality Ohio, shared the following statement: 

“Today’s decision is a reprieve for Ohio families who were nearly deprived of essential medical care by their own elected leaders. We applaud ACLU of Ohio in leading this charge. We are relieved to see the court recognize how this law would have banned, and even criminalized, life-saving medical treatment for transgender youth, a dangerous move that would have forced many families to travel across state lines to seek care, or even flee their home state. 

Policies banning medically necessary care are deeply unpopular with everyday Ohioans, and are only being pushed by extremist politicians. Hundreds of people submitted testimony to lawmakers to reject HB 68 since it was introduced, and just last month, thousands of Ohioans submitted comments on Gov. DeWine’s revised proposed administrative rules to voice their significant concerns.

While we welcome the court’s order, we also encourage impacted families to continue making informed decisions that are best for them. We remain committed to ensuring that transgender youth can always get the lifesaving care they need, and have emergency resources available if you need support. Equality Ohio  will continue to fight alongside our partners for equal access to care, and inclusive policies that protect the rights and bodily autonomy of LGBTQ+ Ohioans.” 

ABOUT EQUALITY OHIO
Equality Ohio identifies and transforms systems and institutions so LGBTQ+ Ohioans can fully access legal and lived equality. For more information: https://equalityohio.org/