HHS Directs Ohio to Remove Transgender References from Youth Education Materials

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Trump administration has issued a directive requiring Ohio and 39 other states to remove references to transgender topics from their Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) materials. PREP, established under the Affordable Care Act, provides education on abstinence and contraception aimed at preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections among youth. Ohio's Department of Youth Services, which operates youth correctional facilities serving approximately 470 individuals, received $1.8 million in federal funding through this program for the fiscal year.

In an August 26 letter, HHS officials specified the content changes needed, stating prior approval under previous administrations was considered erroneous. This action aligns with broader federal policies during the Trump administration restricting transgender participation in sports and military service.

Ohio state authorities acknowledged the directive and are actively modifying educational content to comply with federal requirements. This adjustment follows guidance issued during the Biden administration but is now being revised under the current federal stance.

At the state level, Republican-led Ohio has implemented several measures limiting gender-affirming care, transgender individuals' participation in female sports, and access to gender-specific facilities in educational institutions. Advocacy groups highlight concerns over the impact of such policies on transgender youth mental health, citing increases in suicide attempts following similar legislative actions.

This federal directive also follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving Ohio's youth justice system, emphasizing the complex legal and social dynamics affecting youth programs and civil rights in the state. The HHS action underscores ongoing federal-state tensions regarding educational content and the inclusion of gender identity topics in youth programs.

The evolving regulatory environment presents insurance and compliance professionals with considerations related to program funding, legal liability, and the administration of youth health and education services under varying political and social conditions.