Ohio Abortion Restrictions Upheld
JUDGE GRANTS TWO WEEK STAY ON HER RULING TO UPHOLD OHIO LAW
Law requires two in-person visits with a doctor prior to an abortion
and restricts access for minors—especially those who have been abused by their parents (Cleveland, OH) Yesterday, U.S. District Court Judge Sandra Beckwith upheld HB 421. This law, which had been enjoined since its passage in 1998, contains a 24-hour state-mandated waiting period, and requires two in-person visits to the doctor, creating a potentially dangerous medical delay for many women. This law also changes the rules for abortion access for minors in Ohio by requiring parental consent instead of parental notification. The new parental consent rules no longer allow young women to get a judicial bypass on the basis of physical, psychological, or sexual abuse by her parents. Because Judge Beckwith initially called for immediate enforcement of her ruling, patients and clinics in Ohio were given no time to prepare. Clinics were forced to turn away their patients today—including a 16 year old rape victim. Upon hearing about this case, Judge Beckwith granted a two week stay on her order. “This law contains no exception for rape victims and places an unfair burden on low-income women, single mothers, women who work and women in abusive relationships by forcing them to make an additional unnecessary trip to the healthcare facility,” said Kellie Copeland, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio. “Waiting periods place the government square in the middle of women's personal, private decisions about their bodies. It reflects the demeaning and erroneous assumption that women do not think carefully about abortion and are unable to make responsible decisions without government interference. As a society, we should be focused on decreasing the need for abortion by providing increased access to contraceptives and comprehensive sex education. Instead, Ohio women were turned away from clinics today—including a 16 year old rape victim. She deserved better—all women deserve better.” NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio believes that women are fully capable of making thoughtful decisions regarding their own health care without political intrusion. Waiting periods are enacted with the purpose - and have the effect – of blocking a woman’s constitutional right to obtain reproductive health care. Ninety-one percent of Ohio counties have no abortion provider. As a result of HB 421, it is estimated that the cost for an abortion in Ohio could increase by $100.00 and result in delays as long as two weeks.
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