Ohio House Bill 68, a bill that aims to restrict certain transgender rights for minors, is causing alarm and concern among families across the state. The bill, comprised of two acts -- the "Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act" and the "Save Women's Sports Act" -- has garnered support from a majority of legislators, setting the stage for a potential challenge to transgender rights in Ohio.

One 10-year-old transgender girl named Astrid Burkle, who dreams of a normal life filled with simple joys like baking cookies and going on field trips, shared her frustrations regarding the bill. In an interview with ABC News, Astrid expressed her disappointment with the unkindness she has encountered due to her gender identity.

Astrid's family, like many others affected by the legislation, is concerned about the restrictions it would place on transgender minors. The "Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act" seeks to prohibit transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming care, while the "Save Women's Sports Act" aims to prevent transgender girls from participating in girls' and women's sports. However, the bill does include an exception for intersex and cisgender youth to receive hormone-based care and surgery.

The decision on whether to sign or veto the bill now rests with Republican Governor Mike DeWine. While he has not yet made an announcement, the bill has already received sufficient support from legislators to potentially override a veto.

Alicia Burkle, Astrid's mother, emphasized that regardless of the legislation, they will prioritize their child's well-being and access to healthcare. Even if they have to travel out of state or potentially relocate, the family is determined to ensure Astrid receives the necessary care.

Critics argue that such restrictions prevent families and healthcare providers from making informed decisions about gender-affirming care and could harm transgender youth in the process. Supporters of the bill contend that gender transitioning is potentially harmful, advocating for young individuals to wait until they are older to make these types of decisions.

Numerous major medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association, consider gender-affirming care safe, effective, and medically necessary. Pediatricians and physicians who specialize in gender-affirming care approach these treatments with caution, providing ample time for individuals to explore their identity and tailor their care accordingly.

Hormone therapy, which aligns physical traits with an individual's gender identity, and puberty blockers, a reversible method of pausing puberty for exploration purposes, would both be banned under the proposed legislation. This raises concerns, as research has shown that these treatments can improve the mental health of transgender adolescents and teenagers, who are at higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.

The bill includes a grandfather clause that allows minors who are already receiving gender-affirming care to continue their treatment. This provision provides some relief for families like Nick Zingarelli's, whose daughter has already been undergoing puberty blockers.

The potential impact of this legislation on the lives of transgender youth and their families is drawing attention and sparking debates about the importance of inclusive policies and access to healthcare. As Ohio awaits Governor DeWine's decision, the future for transgender rights in the state hangs in the balance.