Ohio House Bill 68, known as the "Saving Ohio Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act" and "Save Women's Sports Act," has passed both houses and awaits the signature of Governor Mike DeWine. The bill aims to regulate gender transition services for minors and establish single-sex sports teams in schools and colleges, stirring significant debate among various stakeholders.

The bill's key provisions include prohibiting physicians from performing gender reassignment surgery or prescribing cross-sex hormones or puberty-blocking drugs to minors, with certain exceptions. It also requires mental health professionals to obtain consent from a parent, legal custodian, or guardian before diagnosing or treating a minor for a gender-related condition. Additionally, the bill mandates that schools and colleges designate separate single-sex teams and sports, barring males from participating in female-only teams.

Opposition to the bill has been vocal, with the Ohio Psychological Association (OPA), represented by CEO Dustin McKee, testifying against HB 68. The OPA, which represents nearly 3,500 licensed psychologists in Ohio, views the bill as harmful to the well-being of clients. McKee criticized HB 68 for misinterpreting research data, ignoring studies contrary to its claims, and reversing existing law that allows minors aged 14 and above to receive outpatient counseling without parental consent. The OPA also opposes the bill's requirement for screening a specific list of comorbidities, which they believe undermines professional judgment.

Dr. Patty Manning-Courtney, a Developmental Pediatrician and Chief of Staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, also testified in opposition to the bill. She clarified that no Ohio children's hospital performs gender-affirming surgery on minors under 18 and emphasized the necessity of parental consent for gender-affirming medical care. Dr. Manning-Courtney highlighted the comprehensive assessment process before initiating such care and countered claims that gender-affirming medical care is dangerous, stating that the benefits often exceed the risks.

In contrast, the Catholic Conference of Ohio supports HB 68. Will Kuehnle, an Associate Director at the Catholic Conference, testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing solidarity with those suffering from gender dysphoria and advocating for addressing the condition without medical interventions that could harm a developing body. The Catholic Conference draws on the teachings of Pope Francis and calls for humility in addressing gender dysphoria, supporting the bill for its recognition of the need to protect minors from medically and scientifically uncertain interventions.

The bill has sparked a contentious debate on the treatment of minors with gender dysphoria and the regulation of sports based on biological sex. With the bill's passage through both houses, the focus now shifts to Governor DeWine's decision on whether to sign it into law.