Columbus, OH, USA
On October 18, 2024, a group of Republican governors gathered in Columbus, Ohio, to announce a new initiative aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming treatments for minors nationwide. The proposal, titled the “Protecting Minors’ Rights and Safety Act,” seeks to prohibit minors from receiving gender-affirming medical treatments such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries. The initiative, led by Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio, aims to ensure that minors are not subjected to what they argue are irreversible medical procedures before they are legally adults and capable of making fully informed decisions about their gender identity.
Governor DeWine, along with Governors Ron DeSantis (FL), Kristi Noem (SD), and Greg Abbott (TX), presented the initiative as part of their commitment to protecting children from “experimental” medical treatments. The GOP governors argue that minors lack the maturity and understanding to make such significant decisions about their bodies and should not be exposed to treatments that could have long-term consequences.
“Protecting our children is a priority, and that includes making sure they are not subjected to medical procedures that they are not ready for,” Governor DeWine said during the announcement. “This bill ensures that young people have the time they need to develop and understand their identity before undergoing irreversible treatments.”
The proposed legislation would make it illegal for healthcare providers to administer gender-affirming hormones or surgeries to minors, a measure that supporters argue will reduce the risk of long-term psychological harm and regret later in life. Additionally, the initiative calls for alternative treatment options such as counseling and psychological support for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.
Governor DeSantis, who has previously enacted similar policies in Florida, emphasized that the goal is to protect children and ensure that any medical interventions are both necessary and fully understood by the individual and their parents.
“This is about safeguarding the well-being of minors and ensuring that parents have the final say in decisions that affect their children’s future,” DeSantis stated. “In Florida, we’ve already protected children from premature medical decisions, and now we are leading the way to ensure other states follow.”
The proposal has gained support from conservative advocacy groups such as the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation, which argue that such policies are critical to safeguarding children from what they consider to be potentially harmful treatments.
However, the bill has faced fierce opposition from LGBTQ+ organizations, medical professionals, and progressive lawmakers, who argue that denying transgender minors access to gender-affirming care is dangerous and will worsen mental health outcomes. The American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have both opposed such legislation, citing the medical consensus that gender-affirming care is essential for the well-being of transgender youth.
“The GOP governors’ initiative is a step backward for LGBTQ+ rights and a denial of medically necessary care for transgender youth,” said an AMA spokesperson. “Gender-affirming care has been shown to significantly improve the mental health and quality of life for transgender minors.”
The outcome of this initiative will have lasting implications for healthcare policy and the rights of transgender individuals. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, this issue is expected to remain a contentious one, with conservative states pushing for stricter regulations while medical and civil rights organizations seek to preserve access to gender-affirming care.
