House Democrats support “Right to Privacy and Freedom to Choose,” Oppose HB 2177

House Democrats said they will oppose any healthcare measure that invades the privacy of Oklahomans, limits access to healthcare and decreases healthcare options for Oklahoma families.

“Good healthcare is the freedom to choose. The state legislature should not determine who can get what procedure,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City.

House Bill 2177, authored by Rep. Kevin West, R-Moore and Rep. Jim Olsen, R-Sallisaw threatens to ban all gender-affirming care including hormonal therapy.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Trish Ranson, D-Stillwater said this bill is not about protecting minors, but about attacking Oklahoma families.

“This is big government. This is an attack on freedom,” Ranson said. “The authors of HB 2177 have expanded the bill to force insurance companies to deny gender- affirming healthcare for all Oklahomans, regardless of age.”

Rep. Munson said one of her primary concerns about this bill is government over-reach into the private business of families.

“ This bill is simply an invasion of privacy. Why do we think it is our job to make healthcare decisions for Oklahomans? Why don’t we trust parents to choose the best healthcare for their families?” Rep. Munson said.

Rep. Munson fears that denying life-saving medical care to the transgender community may lead to limiting freedoms of other communities that may disagree with state legislators.

Today, HB2177 passed the House floor and is headed to the Senate.