Ohio Republicans Seek to Restrict Abortion Rights

Ohio Republicans Seek to Restrict Abortion Rights

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In an unprecedented turn of events, an alleged draft opinion by the Supreme Court of the United States was released on May 2 (Politico). If adopted, the ruling would overturn Roe v. Wade, meaning states would have complete power to determine the extent of abortion rights within their borders.

As a firm believer in the right of women to determine their own reproductive futures and retain control over their reproductive choices, this decision is upsetting. But what does it mean for Ohio? Let’s take a look at some pending Ohio legislation on abortion.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that regular polling of the American public and Ohioans shows that the majority of us believe that abortion should be legal—and thus Roe v. Wade should NOT be overturned (see here, here), Ohio’s legislature has a several bills in consideration which would severely impact and, in many cases, ban the right to an abortion. One of these was just debated in the House last week. Let’s take a look:

House Bill 598 / Senate Bill 123

Both titled Enact Human Life Protection Act, these bills would take effect if the Supreme Court issues an order upholding a state’s authority to prohibit abortion or if a Constitutional amendment does the same. At that time, Ohio law would prohibit abortions, regardless of method, making the act of performing an abortion a criminal felony. The bill includes an exception if the doctor reasonably believes that the abortion is necessary to prevent the death or “serious risk of the substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function” of the pregnant person. Another doctor must sign off on the first doctor’s belief. There is no exception in cases of rape or incest.

Ohio House Bill 480 is another draft law that would prohibit abortion and private a cause of action against abortion providers.

House Bill 421

House Bill 421, introduced by Republication Jennifer Gross of West Chester (with co-sponsors) would require doctors to tell women seeking abortions that abortion may cause breast cancer and that it may cause psychological or emotional harm, including depression, suicidal ideation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and guilt. It also dictates how the doctor must set up ultrasound equipment so that the woman can see and hear the ultrasound being performed while explaining it to her step by step.

This bill ignores actual science and accepted medical knowledge. For example, the American Cancer Society, American College of Gynecologists and Susan G. Komen have all publicly confirmed that scientific studies do not conclude that abortion causes breast cancer.

Senate Bill 304

Senator Steve Huffman (Republication, Tipp City) has introduced a bill which would require patients to be examined by a doctor before receiving an abortion pill. Note that federal law only permits prescription after a telehealth consult or via mail.

Medication abortions were approved by the FDA back in 2000. Despite this, Huffman alleges that his bill is intended to prevent unregulated use of abortion medication.

Also note that Ohio already requires pregnant people to meet in person with their doctor 24 hours before an abortion and doctors must also determine if there is a detectable heartbeat. (Dispatch) At best, Huffman’s bill is redundant. At worst, it is yet another attempt to limit reproductive freedom.

What Can You Do About It?

Please reach out to your Representatives and Senators and let them know that you oppose these bills.

Here’s a script you can tweak for a call or email:

My name is X. I live in City, Ohio (or District #) and am a constituent of Representative Y/Senator Y. I am writing/calling to express my opposition to all pending legislation seeking to restrict or prohibit the right to abortion, including [House Bills 598, 421, and 408 / Senate Bills 123 and 304].  The majority of Ohioans support a woman’s right to control her own reproductive health, and I am one of them. Please do not support these or similar bills, which would harm Ohio women and families.

You can identify your State Senator and Representative here.

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