The status of abortion laws in Ohio and across the U.S.
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Half of U.S. states have imposed limits on abortion over the past two years, though Ohio voters rendered such restrictions moot at the ballot box.
Catch up quick: Gov. Mike DeWine signed a "Heartbeat Law" in 2019 prohibiting abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, but a judge blocked its enforcement because of federal rights guaranteed by Roe v. Wade.
- When that precedent was overturned in 2022, it opened the door for the six-week ban to take effect.
Yes, but: Litigation challenging the law continued, and Ohio citizens soon had their say.
Over 56% of voters supported the 2023 constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights up to fetal viability, or around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- Access therefore remains secure — Ohio lawmakers cannot pass bills to overturn a constitutional amendment.
State of play: Abortion rights advocates still want the 2019 ban officially ruled unconstitutional, along with the removal of other abortion-related statutes, such as a required waiting period for patients.
- Attorney General Dave Yost is conceding the six-week ban's unconstitutionality, but is fighting to keep other provisions in place, the Ohio Capital Journal reports.
What we're watching: If the Ohio Statehouse will take up any other abortion legislation this term, which ends Dec. 31.
- Two Republicans introduced a bill to give lawmakers — not the courts — "exclusive authority" over implementing the new constitutional amendment in an effort to prevent it from taking effect.
- Another GOP bill would ban state funding of abortion care.
- Democrats have proposed laws to protect in vitro fertilization and abortion access.
- None of these bills have made significant legislative progress to date.