Republicans Try to Hurt Trans Kids Back Fires

 

A three-judge panel for the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled that gender-affirming care for minors constitutes an essential medical treatment for trans youth and that the ban on gender-affirming care is in violation of a state constitutional amendment. Originally passed by Republicans to undermine Obamacare, the amendment is now being used to prevent federal or state intervention in denying any form of essential healthcare.

The ban on gender-affirming treatment in Ohio started in January of last year when Ohio legislatures approved H.B. 68. The bill did two things: ban hospitals from providing gender-affirming treatments to trans minors and ban trans girls from participating in girls’ sports. 

Republicans passed an amendment to curtail Obamacare. It just backfired in a surprising way.

They wanted to make a statement about access to health care, but they didn’t think it would end up helping trans youth.

Gov. Mike DeWine (R), despite signing an executive order around that time banning hospitals from performing “gender-affirming surgeries on minors,” attempted to veto H.B. 68, only for the Republican majority to override him. 

DeWine stated his reasoning as follows: “Were I to sign House Bill 68, or were House Bill 68 to become law, Ohio would be saying that the state, that the government knows better what is medically best for a child than the two people who love that child the most: their parents.” (LGBTQNation)

Yes, care for minors, including preventative, acute, and chronic care, is considered an essential medical treatment, and access to it is crucial for their well-being and development. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Essential Medical Care for Minors:

  • Preventive Care: This includes vaccinations, health screenings, and anticipatory guidance to promote healthy development and prevent diseases. 
  • Acute Care: This addresses immediate short-term illnesses and injuries, ensuring timely and effective treatment. 
  • Ongoing Care for Chronic Conditions: This includes care for children with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy. 
  • Rehabilitative Care: This encompasses services for children with disabilities, including allied health services to improve their functional capabilities. 
  • Care for children with special needs: This includes care for children with speech disorders or other special needs. 
• Importance of Access to Care:

  • Health and Development: Access to essential medical care is vital for children's physical and mental health, as well as their overall development. 
  • Preventing Serious Illnesses: Preventive care and timely treatment of illnesses can prevent serious complications and long-term health problems. 
  • Promoting a Healthy Future: Ensuring that children receive the medical care they need sets the foundation for a healthy and productive future. 
• Legal Considerations:

  • Parental Consent: Generally, parental consent is required for medical procedures and treatments for minors, but there are exceptions, such as for emergency care or when a minor is deemed competent to make their own medical decisions. 
  • Confidentiality: Physicians have an ethical duty to protect the confidentiality of minor patients, but there may be situations where disclosure to parents is necessary to ensure the child's well-being. 
  • Mature Minor Doctrine: Some states recognize the "mature minor doctrine," which allows mature minors to consent to certain medical treatments without parental consent.