Ohio House Passes Dangerous Abortion Ban

NEW YORK – The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban abortion as early as the sixth week of pregnancy, before many women even know that they’re pregnant. The bill could next be taken up by the state’s senate.

Last April, a court struck down a similar North Dakota law that banned abortions as early as six weeks. The courts have been repeatedly clear that these types of laws are flatly unconstitutional.

“Even if we disagree about abortion, we can agree it’s best for each person to make her own decision,” said Jennifer Dalven, director of the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project. “This bill is designed to make that impossible by essentially banning abortion. Not only is this bill extremely wrong-headed and terrible for women and families, there’s absolutely no way it will ever stand up in court.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has said it will challenge the bill if it becomes law.

“Once again the Ohio Legislature has tread where only doctors and families belong,” said Christine Link, executive director of the ACLU of Ohio. “Government regulations should not govern decisions as personal and private as this one.”