To the editor:
Gender-affirming care is not rushed. It involves careful conversations, months — or even years — of counseling, and thoughtful guidance every step of the way. Most of it is designed
to pause and give children the time they need to grow and make informed decisions about
their bodies.
Evidence shows that gender-affirming care isn’t just compassionate, it is tied to improvements in mental health. A study over a two-year period showed that hormone therapy was linked to increased life satisfaction, emotional wellbeing and a drop in depression and anxiety (Chen D, Psychosocial Functioning in Transgender Youth after 2 Years of Hormones. N Engl J Med. 2023 Jan 19) This is critical when looking at the statistics related to trans youth suicide and depression rates.
Lawmakers talk about “parental rights,” but as a parent of a trans child, I must ask: where are my rights to make medical choices for my child? Why is the government allowed in the exam room? How could politicians know more than our team of experienced doctors and specialists?
A ban does not remove the need for care —it only removes safe access. Families with resources might travel out of state. Families without resources may have no options at all, leaving children without essential care.
The Ohio Supreme Court will hear the appeal of House Bill 68 on March 24. As the case proceeds through the courts system, I understand that not everyone will understand my child’s journey — and that’s okay. But I expect the freedom to care for my child with guidance from qualified medical professionals. My child deserves the same access to care I would want for any child. They deserve to grow up feeling safe and whole in their own body.
That should not be controversial. It should be common sense.
Melissa Bittner
Athens, Ohio
