Ohio Panel Passes Bill to Stop Coerced Abortions
On Wednesday, March 18th, House Bill 347, the SHE WINS Act, was voted out of the House Health Committee along party lines by a vote of 9–3. Sponsored by Rep. Odioso and Rep Williams, the bill now advances to the full Ohio House, where it is expected to receive additional testimony and, hopefully, a vote before the April break.
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HB 347 is a pro-woman, pro-girl measure designed to protect women from coercion and to strengthen informed consent protections for mothers considering abortion in Ohio. Cincinnati attorney Brian Hurley has championed this legislation for nearly 15 years. This latest version of the legislation was drafted with the assistance of Americans United for Life to reflect the current legal landscape in Ohio and the nation.
During opponent testimony in March, critics focused heavily on the bill’s 24‑hour informed‑consent requirement as burdensome and thus “unconstitutional.” Mr. Hurley countered that argument in his testimony explaining, that, “once the woman or girl has provided her informed consent there is no waiting period.” Several experts noted that a reflection period to consider the consequences of a medical procedure is standard and common medical practice.
Supporters of HB 347 testified that the SHE WINS Act does not conflict with Article I, Section 22 of the Ohio Constitution; instead, it operates within the amendment’s own language, which explicitly permits health‑and‑safety protections within the framework of reproductive freedom. Other experts testified to the negative consequences of the abortion procedure. To watch video of the expert testimony, click here.
Dayton Right to Life would like to commend Laura Strietmann (who worked on behalf of Cincinnati Right to Life) for coordinating the excellent expert testimony and engaging statewide support for the bill. We are grateful for Mr. Hurley’s perseverance in seeing this bill to its fruition and his commitment to safeguarding women from the coercive and predatory practices inherent in the abortion underworld. Dayton Right to Life has been a proud supporter of this bill since its inception.
As we watch the continued rise in abortions in our state, the implementation of the SHE Wins act is more crucial than ever. It ensures that women have sufficient time to receive and thoroughly evaluate the physical, psychological, and emotional implications of the abortion procedure by providing the information and deliberative space necessary to make a fully informed and voluntary decision.
Please pray that our lawmakers will have the courage and compassion to pass this legislation.
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