In a hearing on a gender affirming care ban for transgender youth in Ohio, the presidents of some of the top pediatric hospitals in the United States testified against trans care bans.
Opponents of trans care are always harping about "biology" and "trusting medical science" only to turn a blind eye to actual respectable and even renowned medical professionals. It's true cognitive dissonance. I only hope this testimony was enough to influence not just legislation in Ohio, but on the national level and for all states.
All the bills, all the hearings, all the testimony (from all sides), about care for trans youth combine to reveal one thing which we should say loudly, without hesitation or reticence: These bills don't have a damn thing to do with health care. They are about bigotry, fear, and ignorance and manipulation of all three in the fanatics' pursuit of power.
As I said when I posted this YouTube video on our 802 United nonprofit organization page, while watching this testimony I have never been more proud to be a physician. I loved their passion, their wisdom, their practical suggestions, and their clarity. In particular, the first question asked of the physicians is how this bill stacks up against care around the country and around the world. The answer was priceless: European countries are NOT outright banning gender affirming care. They are reconfiguring how that care is provided, and many of them are using the current care framework used in Ohio (and similar programs) as a template. Let American physicians lead, people! (rather than willfully ignorant, bigoted, stubborn legislators with a culture war axe to grind).
Erin, I really appreciate this report. It was so moving and gives me hope that something might break through to these legislators. Thank you for all you do.
I'm a native Cincinnatian and worked at Cincinnati Children's for over a decade. I'm glad to see support from there!
Maybe it's time for another referendum in Ohio? It worked for abortion and for weed after all, much to the chagrin of state Republicans, and another one is in the works against gerrymandering. Constitutional amendment that patients have a right to appropriate medical care as determined by a medical professional?
Thank you so much for this, Erin! You’re doing god’s work. I’ve recently just started seeing a trans-specialized therapist, and she’s helping me a lot on my journey (at least as long as other trans folks have!)!
This is such powerful testimony both because of the content and the roles of those testifying. Sometimes the best way to make your case to legislators is by sending someone who looks "familiar" to them. Legislators often shy away from what they perceive as radical, so normalizing a concept can be a key step towards gaining their support.
Am I the only person who feels like the Ohio GOP allowing these doctors, and the other opponents of the bill, are only doing this as a show? I strongly suspect that they are being paid by FOTF, and other right wing "think tanks", for their votes. Sadly, I think this testimony falls on deaf ears.
The other relevant thing here is that not just ordinary MDs, but CEOs of major pediatric institutions (including the #1 ranked in the country) are showing up to testify. This is a warning shot to the GOP that their institutions (and the medical field in general) are not going to take this sitting down.
Opponents of trans care are always harping about "biology" and "trusting medical science" only to turn a blind eye to actual respectable and even renowned medical professionals. It's true cognitive dissonance. I only hope this testimony was enough to influence not just legislation in Ohio, but on the national level and for all states.
Thank you for your hard work Erin.
Much love from a trans girl in FL. 🏳️⚧️
All the bills, all the hearings, all the testimony (from all sides), about care for trans youth combine to reveal one thing which we should say loudly, without hesitation or reticence: These bills don't have a damn thing to do with health care. They are about bigotry, fear, and ignorance and manipulation of all three in the fanatics' pursuit of power.
As I said when I posted this YouTube video on our 802 United nonprofit organization page, while watching this testimony I have never been more proud to be a physician. I loved their passion, their wisdom, their practical suggestions, and their clarity. In particular, the first question asked of the physicians is how this bill stacks up against care around the country and around the world. The answer was priceless: European countries are NOT outright banning gender affirming care. They are reconfiguring how that care is provided, and many of them are using the current care framework used in Ohio (and similar programs) as a template. Let American physicians lead, people! (rather than willfully ignorant, bigoted, stubborn legislators with a culture war axe to grind).
Erin, I really appreciate this report. It was so moving and gives me hope that something might break through to these legislators. Thank you for all you do.
I'm a native Cincinnatian and worked at Cincinnati Children's for over a decade. I'm glad to see support from there!
Maybe it's time for another referendum in Ohio? It worked for abortion and for weed after all, much to the chagrin of state Republicans, and another one is in the works against gerrymandering. Constitutional amendment that patients have a right to appropriate medical care as determined by a medical professional?
Thank you so much for this, Erin! You’re doing god’s work. I’ve recently just started seeing a trans-specialized therapist, and she’s helping me a lot on my journey (at least as long as other trans folks have!)!
This is such powerful testimony both because of the content and the roles of those testifying. Sometimes the best way to make your case to legislators is by sending someone who looks "familiar" to them. Legislators often shy away from what they perceive as radical, so normalizing a concept can be a key step towards gaining their support.
I just hope it worked.
If you have a moment and a stamp:
Steve Davis, MD, MMM
President and Chief Executive Officer
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
3333 Burnet Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3026
He deserves our thanks.
Love you all.
Am I the only person who feels like the Ohio GOP allowing these doctors, and the other opponents of the bill, are only doing this as a show? I strongly suspect that they are being paid by FOTF, and other right wing "think tanks", for their votes. Sadly, I think this testimony falls on deaf ears.
Powerful....👍🏻
I’m glad all of that is on the record. History remembers.
It's telling how passionately people testify about the issue, we are on the right side, we aren't the ones with delusions, phobes are.
The other relevant thing here is that not just ordinary MDs, but CEOs of major pediatric institutions (including the #1 ranked in the country) are showing up to testify. This is a warning shot to the GOP that their institutions (and the medical field in general) are not going to take this sitting down.
wow wow wow. friggin’ awesome!!