In shocking news, a group of Republican lawmakers are trying to ban all abortions in the state of Ohio, under a bill introduced Monday. The bill, HB 565, would allow the state to make all abortions illegal — even in cases of rape, incest, or danger to a woman’s life.
Under the proposed bill, both doctors that provide abortions and pregnant women who seek them could face criminal charges. The bill would consider a fetus an “unborn human” — and therefore, abortion would be considered homicide.
In other words, abortions could be punishable by a lifetime prison sentence or even the death penalty.
Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, said in a press release that the proposed legislation is a clear attempt to overrule the 1973 Roe v. Wade legislation legalizing abortion: “Anti-choice extremists from the Ohio Statehouse to the White House are lining up their dominoes to topple Roe v. Wade and punish those who seek or provide abortion care,” she said.
Ohio has passed several restrictions on abortions in recent years, including a ban on abortions after 20 weeks.
As horrifying as the prospect of outlawing abortions in the Buckeye State is, there is hope that the bill unlikely to pass, as Republican Governor John Kasich vetoed the “heartbeat bill” — a proposed ban on abortions at the point a heartbeat could be detected — even as he signed other measures restricting abortions.
Plus, as NPR noted, a ban on all abortions would likely not hold up in court.
Still, remember that time president-elect Trump said he’d appoint Supreme Court justices who’d overturn Roe v. Wade? We do. And as we continue to stand up for the right of women and humans, we are not going to forget anytime soon.
