Extreme Legislation Bans Health Care, Medical Decisions With Veto Override & Executive Order

COLUMBUS - House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today denounces the passage of the veto override for House Bill (HB) 68, anti-trans legislation, and Dewine’s proposed care restrictions on gender affirming care.

“HB 68’s veto override and Governor’s executive order makes it virtually impossible for Ohioans to access care and make their own medical decisions with their doctors. These bans targeting LGTBQ+ individuals will endanger the lives of children, normalize the hate the transgender community continues to face, and make Ohio a leader in extreme political bans on families’ and individuals’ freedom to make their own medical decisions,” said Leader Russo. “HB 68 and the governor's proposed bans will create a hate tax in Ohio, where families and children who need healthcare are forced to empty their bank accounts and upend their lives to find care out of state. No matter our differences, most Ohioans value personal freedom and just want government to get out of their doctor's office and stop putting politics before people’s lives.”

HB 68 was passed in both the Ohio House and Senate, but vetoed by Governor Dewine at the end of December 2023.

Governor Dewine issued an executive order on January 5, 2024 that further limits access to care.