Rep. Brown: Ohioans still deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions after Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade
COLUMBUS– State Rep. Richard D. Brown (D- Canal Winchester) 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.
“Overturning Roe v. Wade only puts women’s lives at risk and eliminates a Constitutionally protected right to privacy. This decision will not end abortions,” said Rep. Brown. “Today’s decision paves the way for dangerous legislation to be passed such as Ohio’s most recently introduced total abortion ban, which lacks exceptions even for rape, incest, and the health of the mother. Ohio Republicans and the Supreme Court are out of line with the overwhelming majority of Americans, over 80% of whom want there to be exceptions for rape, incest, and the health of the mother. Ohioans should have the fundamental freedom to make decisions about their bodies and health care, and I will continue to fight for Ohioan’s access to safe reproductive health care and to protect privacy rights.”
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.
HJR 5 still awaits assignment to a House committee and a first hearing.