Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires a 24-hour waiting period prior to abortion care in Ohio.

Highlights:

• Requires a twenty-four hour period prior to the performance or inducement of an abortion during which a physician must meet with the pregnant woman in person, by phone, or a virtual meeting to protect the woman’s privacy of her decision (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the physician to answer all questions accurately and satisfactorily, and requires the physician to provide information on (Sec. 1): 

• The physician who is performing the abortion;

• Medically accurate information about the abortion;

• The purpose for the abortion;

• The immediate and long-term risks and effects of the abortion; 

• Medical risks associated with carrying a pregnancy;

• Alternatives to abortion, including adoption and parenting; and

• The need for anti-Rh immune globulin therapy and/or the consequences of refusing therapy, for pregnant women who are Rh negative. 

• Requires the performing physician to alert the pregnant woman at least 24 hours in advance of the circumstances of an abortion and her options, including (Sec. 1):

• Any available medical assistance for prenatal care and childbirth, and the requirement of childcare of the unborn child’s father in cases of rape or incest; and

• Options to reverse effects of an abortion-inducing drug if an abortion-inducing drug is necessary and used.

• Requires a signature from the pregnant woman providing her informed consent to the abortion without coercion, including an attestation that she is not under the influence of any drug or abuse of alcohol (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the operating physician to inform the pregnant woman of any medical emergency that necessitates inducement of an abortion and medical reasons prior to the inducement (Sec. 1). 

• Authorizes civil action against an operating physician if they do not comply with the requirements of this Act (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text