Policy Matters Ohio commends Governor DeWine’s veto of HB 68
Posted December 29, 2023 in Press Releases
In response to Governor DeWine’s veto of HB 68, Policy Matters Ohio director, Hannah Halbert, issued the following statement:
“Today, Governor DeWine vetoed HB 68, protecting the rights of Ohio kids and their families to make their own medical decisions. Children, their parents and other adults came forward to lead, educate and speak out against this legislation, despite the hateful environment politicians have stoked against trans people and gender affirming care. The Governor has demonstrated the value of listening to the people and families closest to the issue, as well as the importance of grounding policy decisions in fact, not fiction. The legislature should follow Governor DeWine’s lead.
As the state considers additional regulation, the experiences of families and medical experts who provide the care should be central to the process. Data should inform decision making, but without consideration for the privacy, safety and health of Ohioans, data can be a sharp tool wielded against individuals. If the state implements data requirements to monitor gender affirming care for LGBTQ people, the expertise of medical professionals and clinical researchers must be prioritized over the whims of some politicians.
We also encourage the Ohio Department of Health to use this opportunity to adopt a more holistic view of LGBTQ health care in the state. This involves expanding the collected data beyond gender affirming care to include other aspects of LGBTQ health, such as mortality, rates of illness and other overall health and wellness metrics. LGBTQ people have increased risks of mental health issues and other chronic health conditions, like heart disease. Enhancing data collection would allow for more thorough analysis and understanding of LGBTQ health care in Ohio.
Policy Matters Ohio is grateful to those who worked so hard, at considerable personal cost, to break through the noise and protect our right to get appropriate, medically-informed care.”