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

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Willis Blackshear Jr.(D-Dayton) 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.

“I am heartbroken by today’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This decision will have harmful impacts on all women, but particularly women of color and women who live in poverty. Women’s health and economic stability are now in jeopardy. You can count on me to vote NO on any bill that will take away a woman’s access to abortion. I will also call on my colleagues to do the same,” said Rep. Blackshear. 

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.