Ohioans still deserve the freedom to make their own health care decisions after Supreme Court strikes down Roe v. Wade

COLUMBUS– Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) 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 extremely concerned about what this ruling means for women, especially in Ohio where Statehouse Republicans have prioritized banning abortion, punishing women and throwing doctors in jail. Criminalizing health care will only put peoples’ lives in danger,” said Leader Russo. 

“As Americans, we know people should have the fundamental freedom to make decisions about their bodies and health care. We have spent more than 50 years fighting for this right, and despite this setback, we won’t give up now. Democrats will continue protecting women’s freedom to access the healthcare they need, including abortion.”

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.