In a significant move, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed House Bill 68, legislation that aimed to prohibit transgender and nonbinary youth from receiving gender-affirming care. The decision came amidst a wave of similar bills being passed in several states across the country. Governor DeWine expressed concerns about the state interfering in parental decisions and stressed the importance of protecting the lives of transgender youth.

The bill, passed by state lawmakers just before the holiday break, aimed to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth, including hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy, surgical procedures, and certain mental health services. Additionally, it sought to place a ban on transgender athletes participating in female sports.

Governor DeWine's veto was met with praise from LGBTQ+ advocacy group, the Human Rights Campaign. They hailed it as a significant victory for trans youth and their families in Ohio. The organization noted that approximately 30% of transgender youth between the ages of 13 and 17 reside in states that have implemented similar bans on gender-affirming care.

During a news conference, Governor DeWine shared powerful stories from individuals who had undergone gender-affirming care. He stated that many of them reported thriving because of their transition, while others affirmed that this care had prevented them from contemplating suicide during their teenage years. The governor emphasized that decisions regarding gender-confirming care should be made by the minor, their parents, and medical professionals.

Addressing concerns raised by the bill, Governor DeWine expressed his intention to establish administrative rules. These rules would include a ban on transgender surgeries for individuals under the age of 18, mandatory reporting to state agencies of adults and children receiving transgender care, and a prohibition on "pop-up" clinics. However, the governor did not address the issue of prohibiting transgender athletes from female competition, which was another aspect of the bill.

The veto comes in the wake of similar legislative battles across the country. In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers overrode vetoes from the Democratic governor to enforce three bills targeting transgender youth. Meanwhile, a federal judge in Idaho recently halted a state ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors just before it was slated to take effect.

Studies have shown that transgender and nonbinary youth face higher rates of suicide and attempted suicide. A 2018 study published in Pediatrics revealed that 50.8% of transgender male teens had attempted suicide, compared to 29.9% among transgender female teens.

The governor's veto signifies a departure from the trend of restricting gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary youth. Governor DeWine's emphasis on protecting human life and respecting the autonomy of youth in making healthcare decisions aligns with the growing recognition of transgender rights and the importance of affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals.