Columbus — Once again legislation that would criminalize abortion in Ohio has been introduced by anti-choice politicians in the Ohio Senate. Senate Bill 123 was sponsored by Republican Senators Kristina Roegner and Sandy O’Brien and would result in the criminal prosecution of medical professionals in our state for providing essential health care services.
NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio Executive Director Kellie Copeland said: “The right to decide whether or when to have a child is a fundamental human right. Ohioans need and deserve access to safe and affordable abortion care in their local communities. They don’t need anti-abortion politicians interfering with their reproductive health care decisions. Abortion is safe and legal in Ohio; NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and our partners are working every day to keep it that way. We trust Ohioans to know what is best for themselves and their families. You and only you should be able to make decisions about your reproductive health and your future.”
Senate Bill 123 would outlaw all abortions in Ohio if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade in the future. There are no exceptions in the bill for rape, incest, or to protect the health of the pregnant person.
The bill’s introduction comes just days after a study from Ohio State researchers showed that public debate over legislation causes some people to believe that abortion has already been banned. Copeland added: “It’s important that people who are making the decision to have an abortion now aren’t discouraged from doing so because of a ban that could theoretically go into effect much later. Responsible discussion of abortion access — by legislators, lobbyists, activists, or the media — must make it clear that Ohio abortion providers are open for patients who need them.”
What we are seeing today is the culmination of 48 years of maneuvering from anti-choice forces. With three Trump appointees to the U.S. Supreme Court, these politicians are lining up their dominoes to topple Roe v. Wade and punish those who seek or provide abortion care. NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio and our supporters will be relentless in our efforts to stop this dangerous agenda in its tracks.
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