Health Care

Red states explore new restrictions on trans rights

Last year conservatives passed measures limiting access to gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
Protesters advocating for transgender rights and health care stand outside of the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Patrick Orsagos)

Republican lawmakers and administrations are taking new steps to restrict or rescind rights and protections for transgender people, opening new fronts in the culture wars after a year in which conservatives passed measures limiting access to gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

Ohio became the 23rd state in the nation to bar gender-affirming care for minors, after Republican lawmakers voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) veto. The new law, which takes effect in April, will both block medical care for minors and restrict mental health professionals from diagnosing or treating minors with gender dysphoria without parental consent.

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