Governor of Oklahoma Signs Bill Withholding Funds for Hospital Care of Transgender Youth
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed a bill Tuesday that will withhold Covid relief funds from one of the state’s largest hospital systems unless it stops providing gender-affirming medical care to minors.
The law authorizes more than $108 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for health services at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center.
But the health system can receive the funds only if it ceases all gender-affirming medical care for those under 18. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital at OU Health currently offers medical services related to gender identity for those up to age 24, including puberty blockers, gender-affirming hormone therapy and help finding surgeons who perform gender-affirming operations, according to its website.