DeWine has 10 days to make a decision on the bill from when he physically received it.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the clock winds down for Gov. Mike DeWine to make a decision on House Bill 68, advocates continue to speak out against it.
“House Bill 68 is a horrendous attack on healthcare access,” Dr. Rhea Debussy, director of external affairs for Equitas Health, said.
Equitas Health a nonprofit community health center in Ohio. It provides gender-affirming care to adults among other services. Dr. Debussy said she fears the passing of this bill will harm transgender youth throughout the state.
“HB 68 will adversely impact them and directly target them in very specific ways,” Debussy said.
Debussy said the bill would remove access to existing medical care for transgender youth.
According to the Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, it will also restrict how medical professionals can talk to patients and their families, as well as providing medication therapy to new patients.
Any minor currently receiving this type of care would be allowed to continue seeing it through if this legislation is passed by the governor.
“This bill is gonna remove access to things like puberty blockers, which are still going to be available for cisgender youth. It’s gonna remove access to mental health services which are also still gonna be available and accessible for cisgender youth,” Debussy said.
If the bill passes, mental health services and counseling for transgender youth would require parental consent. The SAFE Act also blocks transgender student-athletes from participating in girl’s and women’s sports.
Supporters of the bill, like Senate President Matt Huffman (R), say its about protecting children because they can’t provide informed consent for gender-affirming care.
“Certainly, the parents are the most important decision maker in a child’s life but there are things where its important for the state to step in,” Sen. Huffman said.
Now its up to Gov. DeWine, who has 10 days to make a decision on the bill from when he physically received it. While visiting the Urban Community School in Cleveland Tuesday, DeWine said he’ll be focusing on the bill over the next few days. He said its an important issue where people feel strongly on both sides.
“The one thing I think is clear is to me is both sides want what is best for children,” DeWine said.
DeWine added his decision will ultimately be based on what he thinks is in the best interest of the children who will be impacted by it.
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