Planned Parenthood Affiliates in Ohio Respond to Revised Rules on Gender-Affirming Care
For Immediate Release: Feb. 9, 2024
Media Contact: Sarah Garfinkel, [email protected] | Maya McKenzie, [email protected]
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region are encouraged to see that after an outpouring of public comment, the Ohio Department of Health and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services revised proposed rules so that gender-affirming care will remain accessible for adults in Ohio.
Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, released the following statement:
“We are encouraged by the decision to revise the proposed rules so that adults in Ohio will maintain access to gender-affirming care. This is the baseline of care transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming adults deserve. If these rules had gone into effect, it would have made Ohio the second state to restrict access to gender-affirming care for adults. Thank you to the thousands of individuals and organizations who joined us in submitting public comments to let the administration know about the detrimental impact unnecessary obstacles would pose to adults seeking care. At PPGOH, we know that gender-affirming care is lifesaving care and should be accessible to everyone. It is vital that adults seeking gender-affirming care in Ohio understand that these proposed rules will no longer affect their access to care. We are proud to provide high-quality gender-affirming care to adults ages 18+ at 15 health centers and through telehealth.”
Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, released the following statement:
“We are encouraged to see that after hearing from medical experts, individuals who would be impacted, and other Ohioans, the Ohio Department of Health and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has revised rules restricting gender-affirming care services for adults in Ohio. At PPAO, we will continue to fight for all people in our state to receive the care they deserve, including the youth and their families whom these rules would still impact. If enacted, the proposed rules would create excessive barriers for minors in Ohio seeking gender-affirming care. Ohio legislators aren’t going to stop working overtime to dehumanize transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming Ohioans, and we remain committed to the ideal that all people across our state, regardless of who they are, deserve access to quality, affirming health care informed by medical best practices, not politics.”
Dr. Sharon Liner, Medical Director of Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region, released the following statement:
“We’re pleased to see that the Ohio Department of Health and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services amended some of the unnecessary and harmful requirements for gender-affirming care but make no mistake – an attack on care for minors is still an attack on gender-affirming care. While this will not affect our adult patients’ access to care, we recognize the ripple it will cause in access for all providers by the strain it puts on families and physicians of trans minors who are grappling with these new hurdles. Rules aimed at restricting access to care deny the wishes of Ohioans who have made clear they want the government out of their personal health decisions. We will continue to support the efforts of those in our community and follow the lead of trans and nonbinary activists to build a safe and accessible Ohio for gender-affirming care. We will never stop fighting for your right to the health care you need. If you are an adult seeking gender-affirming care, our doors are open.”
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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 15 health centers and two surgical centers throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio supports advocacy for reproductive health and reproductive rights, including grassroots organizing, community education, and lobbying.
Serving 20 counties in southwestern Ohio and three in northern Kentucky, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region strengthens the community by providing access to high quality health care and education that empower people to make informed, private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health. The organization operates five health centers throughout the region. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Call 513-824-7820 to discuss your gender-affirming care options with a patient navigator.