1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned and alarmed about the recently proposed HB172, which would mandate parental consent for minors to receive mental health services, and I am writing to you to oppose this bill. This legislation is another step in government overreach regarding trans youth, making it harder for them to reach out to counselors or people that will support/help them. Not only that, but this bill will harm children who live with abusive parents/guardians, who will harm a child if they want to speak with mental health specialists. For the safety of children, for the freedom of trans people, and for the deeply American principle of bodily autonomy, please oppose this bill before it advances.