Ohio Republicans Propose Abortion Ban, Sparking Controversy and Legal Battles

Ohio Republicans are proposing a bill that would outlaw all abortions within the state by categorizing the procedure as homicide. The "Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act," spearheaded by Representatives Levi Dean and Johnathan Newman, is scheduled for introduction. The bill's aim, according to Austin Beigel of End Abortion Ohio, is to affirm the personhood of the unborn.

This legislative effort follows a 2023 vote by Ohio residents to protect abortion access in the state Constitution. Subsequent legal challenges have already overturned attempts to restrict or ban abortion access, despite the amendment. The proposed legislation is expected to face legal battles if enacted. Beigel believes the bill will create a conflict between the state's constitution and the U.S. Constitution, potentially leading to Supreme Court review.

The bill's implications could extend to in vitro fertilization (IVF) and certain forms of contraception, including IUDs, according to reports. Beigel acknowledged that IVF clinics might face operational changes under the legislation, though the bill does not explicitly address contraception.

The bill has drawn criticism from various groups, including abortion rights advocates and some anti-abortion activists. Ohio Right to Life has stated its opposition, emphasizing its stance against criminalizing women for seeking abortions. The organization views the bill as an unsuccessful strategy both legislatively and judicially. End Abortion Ohio, however, does not share the same goals as Ohio Right to Life, as they seek to abolish abortion rather than regulate it.

Abortion Forward's executive director criticized the bill's supporters, stating that the legislation would restrict Ohioans' ability to make decisions about their health and well-being, including banning abortion care, certain types of birth control, and IVF treatment.

The Supreme Court's 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, which had established abortion as a constitutional right. Since then, abortion has been banned in a number of states, while others have implemented gestational limits. The impact of these restrictions is highlighted by the case of Adriana Smith in Georgia, where a woman was kept on life support for months due to the state's gestational limit law.