The bill, HB 565, was introduced in March and is currently awaiting consideration in the health committee.
From fertilization to birth, the “unborn human” would be included under the definition of person in the criminal code.
There are no exceptions for rape, incest, or danger to the life of the pregnant person.
Many pregnant people are already living under a climate of criminalization if anything goes wrong with their pregnancy.
“Across the USA, the heavy-handed policing of pregnant women’s behavior is shattering patient trust in health services with devastating consequences.
Under the Ohio bill, a pregnant person or abortion provider could be subject to criminal charges, including the charge of murder.
In 2016, Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) signed a 20-week abortion ban into law, but vetoed the heartbeat bill. »