Abortion in Ohio
Summary
A pro-abortion ballot initiative passed by out-of-state pro-abortion activists in 2023 dramatically changed Ohio.
Now abortion can be allowed through all nine months of pregnancy in Ohio. And safety measures for pregnant moms have been removed from law.
Timeline
Apr 11, 2019
Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill is passed to protect babies from abortion once their heartbeat is detectable.
Jul 3, 2019
Judge Michael Barrett rules that the Heartbeat Law cannot take effect because of precedent established with Roe v Wade.
Jun 24, 2022
Roe v Wade is overturned by the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v Jackson decision.
Ohio’s Heartbeat Law goes into effect.
Sept 14, 2022
Judge Christian Jenkins temporarily blocks the Heartbeat Law.
Nov 7, 2023
Out-of-state activists rewrite Ohio’s constitution with the passage of a pro-abortion ballot initiative. Abortion is declared a fundamental right through all nine months of pregnancy.
Oct 24, 2024
Citing the 2023 pro-abortion ballot iniatiative, Judge Jenkins permanently blocks the Heartbeat Law.
Because of the 2023 Pro-Abortion Ballot Initiative
Safety Measures Have Been Removed
Ohio law used to require a 24-hour waiting period, in-person visit, and information shared on medical risks prior to having an abortion. These were overruled on August 23, 2024.
Ohio law used to block abortions by telemedicine. In August 2024, Judge Alison Hatheway ruled that because of the pro-abortion ballot initiative, this law is now likely unconstitutional.
Ohio law used to require a doctor to be the one to prescribe abortion pills. Judge Hatheway also ruled this is now likely unconstitutional.
Ohio Has Become an Abortion Destination State
2023: 12.6% of abortions in Ohio are performed on pregnant moms from out of state.
November 2023: The pro-abortion ballot initiative passes.
2025: The out-of-state abortion rate jumps to 20.9%.