Ohio Six-Week Abortion Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Press Release | October 24, 2024
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment has produced another victory for abortion rights as a Hamilton County judge issued a ruling today that the six-week abortion ban is unconstitutional.
Abortion Forward Executive Director Kellie Copeland said: “This momentous win is due to the hard work of countless Ohioans who stood up and continue to stand up to protect abortion access in our state. Their hard work paid off today as the six-week ban has now correctly been ruled unconstitutional because of our Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment. Now, voters have the opportunity to flip the Supreme Court to ensure our hard work last year continues to expand abortion access.
“This win means that tens of thousands of patients from the Buckeye State and surrounding communities can continue to access safe and legal abortion care from providers at nine clinics in Ohio. The overwhelming decision by voters to enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution last November has paved the way for successful court challenges like the one we’ve won today. But the fight is far from over. Getting an abortion in Ohio is still needlessly difficult. Voters need to know that abortion is on the ballot again this November, this time to elect Melody Stewart, Michael Donnelly, and Lisa Forbes to the Supreme Court of Ohio. We must have justices on the court who will enforce the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment, not ignore it. Abortion Forward will continue the work necessary to ensure that the amendment is enforced to its fullest extent and educate voters about the importance of the Supreme Court of Ohio in protecting abortion access.”
Passed as Issue 1 in the November 2023 general election, the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment enshrined reproductive healthcare, including abortion, into the state constitution. After more than 700,000 signatures from Ohio voters were submitted to qualify the ballot initiative for the 2023 General Election, the issue passed with 57% of the vote in November of last year.
