Ohio appeals court blocks state law banning gender-affirming care for kids
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An Ohio appeals court partially overturned the state's ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors.
Why it matters: The Tuesday decision delivers a win for transgender kids as the Trump administration vows to ban funding for youth gender-affirming care nationwide.
State of play: A three-judge panel on the Ohio's 10th District Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling by deciding that a state law preventing transgender kids from accessing puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormone therapy for kids violates parents' rights.
What they're saying: "This win restores the right of trans youth in Ohio to choose vitally important health care, with the support of their families and physicians," ACLU of Ohio legal director Freda Levenson said in a statement.
- "Although this litigation will likely not end here, we remain fervently committed to preventing this egregious bill from ever again taking effect," Levenson added.
What's next: Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost plans to appeal the decision, Bloomberg Law reported.
Catch up quick: Ohio lawmakers passed a bill in early 2024 prohibiting minors in the state from receiving gender-affirming care and restricting transgender athletes from playing on girls' and womens' sports teams.
- Last March, the American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Ohio and another law firm filed a lawsuit against the policy on behalf of two families in the state with transgender adolescents.
- An Ohio trial court ruled last August against the families, allowing the ban to take effect.
- Tuesday's ruling does not block the law's ban on surgical treatments for gender-affirming care.
- Major medical organizations including the American Medical Association say gender-affirming care is lifesaving medical care. Puberty blockers are reversible and also used for non-trans youth who experience early onset puberty.
