Ohio Abortion Laws

The news around Ohio’s abortion laws and abortion laws across the United States is frequently evolving. If you have any questions about the latest abortion law information, please do not hesitate to call Adoptions With Love.  

Ohio abortion laws continue to see changes, much like abortion rights throughout the country. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and living in Ohio, you may be thinking about terminating your pregnancy. But are abortions legal in Ohio?

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. Although you may be feeling scared and alone, know that there are resources to help. We are here for you.

What is important to know is that abortion is legal in Ohio through 21 weeks and six days of pregnancy. Read on, as we explain the latest updates to abortion laws in Ohio and the choices you have as an expectant parent.

History of Abortion Laws in Ohio

Ohio residents have seen many changes to abortion laws over the past few years. In October of 2019, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 23 – a trigger ban that could take effect as soon as the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which it did in June of 2022.

The trigger ban illegalized any abortions performed after six weeks of pregnancy, around the time cardiac activity is detected in a fetus. Six weeks is often before many even know they are pregnant. The ban did not consider cases of rape or incest. The only exception was a medical emergency or an immediate threat to the life of the expectant mother. This ban was blocked by courts in 2022.

In November of 2023, voters approved Issue 1, a constitutional amendment that enshrined the right to a safe, legal abortion, therefore reversing previous restrictions.

Abortion as a Protected Right in Ohio

The vote in 2023 meant reproductive freedom for Ohio residents. The Ohio constitution now explicitly protects the right for a patient to make their own reproductive decisions, including abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, and miscarriage care.

Restrictions and Requirements For Abortion in Ohio

The current Ohio abortion law does come with restrictions. A 24-hour waiting period is required, for example. This means that anyone seeking an abortion must wait 24-hours after their first in-person appointment before making their decision to have the abortion.

Another restriction involves medication abortions, also known as the “abortion pill.” Patients seeking abortion via medication must have an in-person appointment. The pills cannot be delivered after a telehealth appointment.

Age Restrictions and Parental Involvement

Anyone under the age of 18 in Ohio considering abortion will need the permission of their parent(s) or a legal guardian. An exception may be made by a judge removing this requirement.

Ultrasound Requirements

If an ultrasound is performed prior to an abortion in Ohio, the physicians must offer the patient the opportunity to view the ultrasound image of the embryo. They must also offer to share a physical picture of the ultrasound image. These offerings are also to be made at no additional cost to the patient seeking abortion care.

Unplanned Pregnancy Options in Ohio

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy in Ohio, you will want to know all your choices before considering your next step. You have the following options:

• Abortion (up until the 22-week mark)
• Adoption
• Parenthood

Have Any Questions About Adoption?

Abortion

If you are considering abortion, you may want to speak with a medical professional first. There are two types of abortions: procedural and medication. Speak with a doctor before determining if – and which type of – abortion is right for you.

If you decide that abortion is not right for you, there are two other choices.

Parenthood

Parenthood is a big commitment, and many expectant mothers consider this option. Before you decide on parenthood, you should consider how this choice will change your life. How will you support a growing family? How will you pursue your education and/or career goals? Do you have a network of support? Can you offer a child a stable home life? These are just a few of the factors to consider before deciding to raise a child.

Adoption

A third option remains: Adoption. Adoption is a very positive choice. Those who choose adoption do so in the best interest of their child. Although it is an emotional experience, ultimately adoption allows expectant/birth parents to give their child a better life than they can provide themselves, at the time.

If you are thinking about placing your baby for adoption in Ohio, then you are already putting your child’s needs before your own. You are thinking of the love and opportunities that your child may have with an adoptive family.

Choosing adoption brings many benefits for birth parents. In choosing adoption, you would have the power to choose the child’s adoptive parents. You could also determine the type of adoption plan you want to have – open adoption, semi-open, or closed adoption.

Adoption specialists can help determine the type of plan that best meets your needs. An adoption agency can offer expectant parent(s) comprehensive including compassionate counseling and legal assistance. An adoption agency, such as Adoptions With Love, can offer you an adoption team that is experienced in Ohio adoption laws and can keep you informed of your rights.

Pregnant in Ohio? Get Support From AWL

If you would like to learn more about adoption in Ohio, contact Adoptions With Love today. We can listen to you and answer any questions you may have, free of obligation or commitment. Call us any time of day, any day of the week at 617-964-4357, text us confidentially at 617-777-0072, or contact us online.