Rep. Robinson vows to protect Ohioans' freedom to make their own health care decisions after Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today issued a statement after the Supreme Court’s conservative majority struck down Roe v. Wade, which established the right to access safe and legal abortion care in the United States.

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is an unacceptable step backwards and a sad day in America. This decision will not only criminalize health care, punish women, particularly women of color and economic disadvantage, and throw doctors in jail for doing their duty, but it will further divide Ohio and America. If Ohio now passes a full ban on abortions, businesses and people will not move to Ohio, and many will leave and go to states where women are not dehumanized, their rights are protected, and they have choice.

This decision is the first time, that I’m aware of, where established precedent from the court has been abandoned to restrict rights rather than expand them. And the new precedent this sets will allow challenges to contraception, gay-marriage, and other privacy and personal rights. As a state representative, I will fight to ensure these protections remain for women in Ohio. Elections have consequences,” said Rep. Robsinson.

Over 60% of Ohioans agree with the Roe v. Wade decision to allow access to abortion. Despite this, Ohio Republicans continue to prioritize legislation to ban abortion, including the 6-week abortion ban signed into law by Gov. DeWine in 2019. House Bill 598 and Senate Bill 123 are current pieces of legislation that would completely ban abortion in Ohio without any exceptions for rape, incest, or to protect the health of the mother. 

Meanwhile, Democrats have introduced House Joint Resolution (HJR) 5, a constitutional amendment that would ensure all people have the freedom to make decisions about their bodies and healthcare. This includes the ability to obtain surgical and medical abortion services. Additionally, the amendment would codify the right to access and use contraceptive devices and medications. Rep. Robinson is a co-sponsor of HJR 5.

HJR 5 still awaits assignment to a House committee and a first hearing.