Council declares Cincinnati a 'safe haven' for gender-affirming healthcare

Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution Monday declaring support for healthcare professionals who provide gender-affirming care in the city, and for anyone who seeks that healthcare here.

"The reality is gender-affirming care saves lives, literally. We do know without it, there's more depression, there's more suicide," said Council Member Mark Jeffreys. "It's why the American Medical Association [and] the American Academy of Pediatrics all recommended it. How anyone could be opposed to what our medical professionals are doing, or suggesting, is beyond me."

The move is partly a response to legislation at the Ohio Statehouse, especially a bill known as the SAFE Act that bans hormone therapy, puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgery for children under 18 years old, regardless of whether their parents or physicians support the treatment.

The bill passed the Ohio House. It could be considered by the Ohio Senate when lawmakers return after a summer recess.