A transgender 10-year-old girl in Ohio has expressed her concern over her state’s attempt to prevent access to gender-affirming care for minors.
Republican Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine will make his decision regarding whether to outlaw the treatments public on Friday.
House Bill 68, which was approved by the Ohio House and Senate earlier this month, gave DeWine 10 days to decide.
In an interview with her family, Astrid Burkle expressed her resentment toward the “mean” individuals who sought to stop the procedures to ABC News.
While her daughter was still too young to undergo surgery, her mother, Alicia Burkle, expressed concern that Ohio might outlaw more essential medical procedures like puberty blockers before she was old enough to get them.
Astrid remarked, “It’s been really frustrating at times because there are so many extremely cruel people in the world.”
Her father, Aaron Burkle, said their neighborhood has been friendly, but her sister Abs said they might leave Ohio if transgender minors’ treatment is prohibited.
Abigail Burkle stated, “People are going to leave, so we want to be able to help our societies and the state of Ohio.”
“People will get harmed. They won’t want to come back to Ohio.”
Alicia Burkle concurred with her daughter and declared that they would relocate if necessary.
Alicia Burkle remarked, “Just because you’ve said you won’t let us receive care here in Ohio does not mean we’re suddenly going to stop receiving care for our kids.”
“We have faith in both the science and her medical professionals. Therefore, we’re going to do what needs to be done, whether that means leaving the state and moving or traveling outside of it to get it.”
Ohio is considering outlawing gender-affirming treatment for children under the age of 18, following 22 different states.
The term refers to medical care for transgender persons, which includes everything from therapy to puberty blockers to surgery.
West Virginia, Kentucky, and neighboring Indiana have all outlawed the procedures.
House Bill 68 forbids transgender student athletes from taking part in girls’ and women’s sports in addition to restricting access to gender-affirming care.
“It is a difficult problem,” as DeWine has previously stated. Additionally, he has spent time visiting facilities and speaking with people who have benefited from and suffered from gender-affirming care.
DeWine remarked, “The one thing I think is obvious to me is that both sides want what is best for children.”
He claimed that ultimately, his decision will be based on what he believes to be in the best interests of the children affected.
More than three-fifths of lawmakers have voted in favor of the bill, and they have the power to override his veto.
More than 20 significant national medical associations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association (AMA), have deemed gender-affirming care to be safe and effective, according to ABC.
According to the AMA, this treatment may be medically necessary to enhance the physical and mental health of trans people.
State legislator Paula Hicks-Hudson opposed the bill during the debate on December 13 by claiming that it prevented families from acting in their children’s best interests.
“It becomes apparent when we look at this policy that it is not always about preventing parents from making decisions about the health care of their children, but rather about protecting them from being exposed to these types of treatments.”
“Additionally, it deprives parents and professionals of the responsibility for providing health care and returns it to the authorities.”
Terry Johnson, a retired doctor and another state lawmaker, however, stated that he was in favor of forbidding the treatments.
“Don’t do something if you’re not sure it will harm someone 10, 15, 20, or even one year from now,” he advised.
“The clinical evidence does not support what we are doing here in the nation.”
