1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I strongly urge you to reject the appeal filed by the Ohio Attorney General against the ruling that struck down the state's restrictive abortion ban. The law in question, which prohibited most abortions after cardiac activity is detected around six weeks of pregnancy, violates the reproductive rights enshrined in the state's constitution through a voter-approved amendment. Retaining provisions of this unconstitutional law would subject healthcare providers to severe criminal penalties and civil liabilities simply for performing legal abortions, while also imposing medically unnecessary barriers for patients seeking this care. The constitutional amendment was a clear expression of the will of Ohio voters to protect reproductive freedom. Upholding the lower court's decision to invalidate the draconian six-week ban is necessary to uphold the rights guaranteed by the state's constitution and to prevent the chilling effect on abortion access caused by the threat of prosecution against providers. Preserving essential healthcare services and safeguarding the rights of Ohioans must take precedence over efforts to undermine the state's democratic process and impose extreme restrictions on a constitutionally protected medical procedure.