Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio Launches Gender-Affirming Care Program in Cleveland

CLEVELAND, Ohio—Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio (PPGOH) announced the expansion of gender-affirming care services to its Cleveland Health Center, accomplishing PPGOH’s goal to bring greater access to gender-affirming care to adult patients aged 18+ across Ohio.

First launched by PPGOH in 2021 to support transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming Ohioans in accessing the care they need to become their most authentic and complete selves, gender-affirming care is currently available at all 15 of PPGOH’s non-surgical health centers. This includes Akron, Athens, Bedford Heights, Canton, Cleveland, Franklinton, Kent, Lorain, Mansfield, North Columbus, Old Brooklyn, Rocky River, Toledo, Warren, and Youngstown. These services are available only to adult patients.

“Gender-affirming care is essential, life-saving care, and we are proud to continue working to ensure that all Ohioans are able to access the care they need,” said Erica Wilson-Domer, president and CEO of PPGOH. “As gender-affirming care continues to come under attack in Ohio and across the nation, it is more important than ever for patients to be able to easily access this vital care in safe, inclusive environments that provide them with the resources they need to live their most authentic lives.”

The latest expansion of PPGOH’s gender-affirming care services comes less than one month after the historic passage of Issue 1, the Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment, enshrining abortion access in the state constitution. Following this landmark victory for abortion rights, Ohio legislators renewed their attacks on LGBTQ+ rights through bills targeting gender-affirming health care and trans rights, such as HB68 and HB183.

“Despite ongoing efforts by Ohio legislators to attack Ohioans’ right to access comprehensive health care and make the best medical decisions for themselves, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio remains committed to expanding access to high-quality health care services that Ohioans need and deserve,” said Dr. Adarsh Krishen, chief medical officer at PPGOH. “The launch of gender-affirming care at our Cleveland clinic is an important step in our ongoing mission to ensure that Ohioans across the state can find an inclusive and supportive space to access care.”

In 2023, PPGOH provided gender-affirming care through 3,255 patient visits, indicating high demand and need for this care among Ohioans. Gender-affirming care services are lifesaving – research shows that gender-affirming care is associated with positive effects on body image and lower odds of depression and suicidality.

Services PPGOH provides under its gender-affirming care program include gender-affirming hormone therapy, as well as birth control, cancer screenings, care coordination, HIV prevention, testing and counseling, patient navigation services, primary care, and STI testing and treatment.

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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 15 health centers and two surgical centers throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.