Ohio Lawmakers Propose New Abortion Restrictions

A group of Ohio Republican lawmakers has introduced a bill that would require women seeking abortions to wait at least 48 hours and undergo an ultrasound examination.

Those requirements are among an extensive list of abortion restrictions in House Bill 200, introduced by Rep. Ron Hood of Southeast Ohio and backed by 34 of his GOP colleagues.

Among other things, the bill would:

• Require doctors to give women a verbal description of the ultrasound, including an audible heartbeat, if available. (The bill notes, however, that a woman can refuse to view ultrasound images or listen to the sounds detected by a fetal heart monitor.)
• Compel abortion providers to tell patients that fetuses and embryos can feel pain, and that a woman who has an abortion increases her risk of breast cancer.
• Extend the waiting period for abortions to 48 hours instead of 24.
• Require doctors to tell patients seeking abortions in writing how much money they earn and how much income they would lose by not performing abortions.
• Eliminate “medical necessity” as a reason to waive the waiting period. Medical necessity had been defined as a medical condition that complicates the pregnancy so that it warrants an immediate abortion.
• Allow a waiver for a “medical emergency,” which is redefined in the bill as a condition that would result in the woman’s death without an abortion, as opposed to one that presents a serious risk to her life or physical health.

Doctors who do not follow the rules could be charged with a first-degree felony and fined up to $1 million.

Hood, several cosponsors and the GOP leadership in the House did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday on the bill. Reps. Kristina Roegner and Marilyn Slaby, both of Summit County, are the only women in the House to attach their names to the bill. Multiple calls placed to Roegner and Slaby were not returned.

Planned Parenthood argues the required ultrasounds aim to further distress women in crisis.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG, opposes mandated ultrasounds, saying they would do nothing to enhance a woman’s health or safety and would add unnecessary emotional and financial stress.

A patient could receive a photo of the fetus or embryo at no extra charge, but would have to pay out of pocket for the ultrasound.

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