On July 1, 2021, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R-OH) signed into law the medical conscience amendment as part of the 2022-23 state operating budget. This law permits physicians (including counselors), hospitals, and insurers to decline to provide medical care or payment for services, if it “violates” a provider's moral or religious beliefs. In opposition to the clause, the Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Children’s Hospital Association, Ohio State Medical Association and Ohio Association of Health Plans aligned to publish a dissenting opinion.
Not only does SAIGEO stand alongside these associations in their dissent, we stand in support of the clients this discriminatory law will adversely impact.
While our ethical standards are aspirational and outweighed by state and federal law, the counseling profession, among other helping professions, is built on the principles of anti-discrimination, which protect clients from the imposition of our personal values and perspectives into the therapeutic space.
We will continue to advocate for ethical mental health treatment and counseling services for our LGBTGEQIAP+ clients and community. And, now more than ever, we encourage counselors to embody our ethical standards and to engage in multi-level advocacy efforts to ensure quality, affirmative, and celebratory care for those we serve.
In solidarity,
2021-22 SAIGEO Executive Board
Chase Morgan-Swaney, President
Dr. Tara Hill, President-elect
Dr. Megan Mahon, Past President
James Thomas, Treasurer
Kristin Curran, Secretary
Kelsey Scanlan, IT Rep. & Central Ohio Rep.
Devyn Savitsky, SE Ohio Rep.
Phillip Hughes, NW Ohio Rep.
Mariah Payne, NE Ohio Rep.
Grey Nelei-Nunnemaker, SW Ohio Rep.
Gene Dockery, Doctoral Emerging Leader
Autumn Crawford, Master’s Emerging Leader