Abortion in Ohio

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Ohio General Assembly
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Enacted by	Ohio General Assembly
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Abortion in Ohio refers to the legal and medical practices surrounding the termination of pregnancy in the state of Ohio, United States. The legal landscape of abortion in Ohio has evolved significantly over the years, influenced by both state and federal legislation, as well as judicial rulings.

History

The history of abortion in Ohio is marked by a series of legislative actions and court decisions. In the early 20th century, abortion was largely illegal in Ohio, as it was in many other states. However, the landmark Roe v. Wade decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in 1973 established a woman's legal right to an abortion, prompting states, including Ohio, to revise their laws.

In the decades following Roe v. Wade, Ohio has enacted various laws to regulate abortion. These include mandatory waiting periods, parental consent requirements for minors, and restrictions on late-term abortions. The state has also seen numerous legal challenges to these laws, resulting in a complex legal framework that continues to evolve.

Current Legal Framework

As of 2023, abortion in Ohio is subject to several restrictions:

• Waiting Periods: Ohio law requires a 24-hour waiting period before an abortion can be performed. This means that a woman must receive counseling and then wait at least 24 hours before the procedure.

• Parental Consent: Minors seeking an abortion must obtain parental consent or seek a judicial bypass.

• Gestational Limits: Ohio law prohibits abortions after 20 weeks of gestation, except in cases where the woman's life is at risk or there are severe fetal anomalies.

• Heartbeat Bill: In 2019, Ohio passed a "heartbeat bill" that bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as early as six weeks into pregnancy. However, this law has faced legal challenges and its enforcement has been blocked by federal courts.

Public Opinion and Political Climate

Public opinion on abortion in Ohio is divided, reflecting national trends. Political debates over abortion are highly polarized, with significant activism from both pro-choice and pro-life groups. The Ohio General Assembly, which is predominantly Republican, has generally supported more restrictive abortion laws.

Healthcare and Access

Access to abortion services in Ohio varies by region. Urban areas tend to have more clinics and providers, while rural areas may have limited access. This disparity can affect the ability of women in different parts of the state to obtain timely abortion services.

Legal Challenges and Court Cases

Ohio's abortion laws have been the subject of numerous legal challenges. Notable cases include:

• Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio v. Hodges: A case challenging the state's attempt to defund Planned Parenthood.

• Preterm-Cleveland v. Himes: A challenge to the "heartbeat bill" and other restrictive measures.

Also see

• Roe v. Wade
• Planned Parenthood
• Abortion in the United States
• Reproductive rights