Rep. Somani: HB 347 Undermines Healthcare, Ignores Ohio Voters, & Increases Costs for Families
COLUMBUS — State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) today issued the following statement on House Bill (HB) 347, legislation requiring a 24-hours waiting period for patients accessing reproductive care:
“Ohio voters have made their views on this issue very clear. Less than 3 years ago, almost 57% of Ohioans voted to enshrine the right to reproductive care into our state constitution. House Republicans are yet again ignoring the will of the voters and acting as if they know better. This bill is completely unnecessary and overly burdensome. I am confident that women are capable, grown adults who do not require condescending guidance from elected officials to make their own choices,” said Rep. Somani.
“Twenty-four hour waiting periods have already been declared unconstitutional. It is fiscally irresponsible to take hard-earned tax dollars from constituents and waste them on another lawsuit about an issue that has already been settled. It is especially irresponsible to relitigate this matter while our constituents face the consequences of Republicans’ current priorities - giving tax cuts and stadiums to billionaires while cutting funds for schools, SNAP, and public services,” added Rep. Somani.
HB 347 threatens healthcare access by requiring doctors to provide information that is not supported by credible medical science, including unproven claims about reversing medication abortion. It also imposes unnecessary waiting periods and extra appointments, creating real financial and logistical burdens for families, including lost wages, childcare, transportation, and additional medical costs. These delays not only complicate care but can also increase health risks for patients.
House Democrats attempted to introduce an amendment on the House floor to make IVF/assistive reproductive treatments affordable for Ohioans by making it covered by insurance. House Republicans voted it down 64-29.
Beyond healthcare, HB 347 directly conflicts with the will of Ohio voters. The Reproductive Freedom Amendment, passed in 2023, guarantees that the state cannot burden, penalize, or interfere with reproductive healthcare decisions. This legislation attempts to bypass those protections by imposing new barriers and requirements that are redundant, unnecessary, and unconstitutional.
Instead of addressing Ohio’s affordability crisis, HB 347 diverts taxpayer resources to enforce medically inaccurate state mandates and creates unnecessary obstacles for patients and doctors. Each delay adds financial and logistical strain on families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
House Democrats remain committed to protecting reproductive rights, ensuring patients receive accurate medical information, and advancing policies that make healthcare accessible and affordable. Ohioans should not face unnecessary barriers to care or additional financial burdens-policymakers must focus on protecting health, respecting choices, and making everyday life more affordable.