INDIANAPOLIS—Senate Assistant Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) released the following statement on the ban on gender-affirming care being upheld by the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals: 

“I’m frustrated and angry at the court’s ruling. Once again, this state will be rejecting expert advice by medical professionals to uphold a hate-driven ban on healthcare. Why is it so difficult for this state to understand that Hoosiers do not want or need politicians sitting in the healthcare examination rooms making health care decisions for their families? Indiana residents are suffering from whiplash when the supermajority Legislature flip flops on when to trust parents and when to override them while robbing parents of their privacy, choices and dignity. 

“This law was never about protecting kids—it was about blocking families from accessing care that members of this Legislature disagree with. If Indiana actually wants to protect kids, we would see an effort to address the rise in suicide ideation and attempts. We’d see Republicans adamantly pushing for gun safety laws since we know guns are a leading threat to the lives of children. 

“Our kids deserve better than these blatant policy attacks on their identity. There are real problems impacting the safety of our kids, and I’ll continue standing with my caucus to promote legislation that actually protects children while supporting the right for every Hoosier to decide how they live and love in Indiana.”