Reps. Somani, Tims Introduce Reproductive Care Act to Align Ohio Law with Reproductive Freedom Amendment

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) Thursday introduced the Reproductive Care Act. This bill language was also introduced during the 135th General Assembly as House Bill (HB) 343. In 2023, a majority of Ohioans voted to enshrine the right to reproductive care in the state’s Constitution. The goal of this legislation is to align our laws with this constitutional amendment and to reduce barriers to access to abortion care. 

“This bill repeals an assortment of archaic laws in our state that do not improve outcomes or access to care. They were passed to create roadblocks for those seeking abortion care and those providing that care. These are collectively known as TRAP laws and include requirements such as medically unnecessary ultrasounds and hospital transfer agreements,” said Rep. Somani. “Removing these barriers to care will reduce delays in care and actually allow healthcare providers to serve their patients properly. We have a healthcare access problem in Ohio, and restrictive laws like these are a part of the problem.”

The bill will also add protections related to patients and providers including data privacy, nondiscrimination, along with civil and criminal protections for evidence-based care.

“The Reproductive Care Act is a critical step forward in ensuring that Ohioans have access to the reproductive healthcare they deserve, free from unnecessary restrictions. We must honor the will of the voters who enshrined reproductive rights in our state constitution and remove outdated laws that only serve to delay and limit care. This legislation ensures that healthcare providers can focus on what matters most: providing high-quality, compassionate care to those who need it,” said Rep. Tims.

The legislation is now awaiting a bill number and committee assignment.