Uphold Reproductive Freedom in Ohio

I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill 347, the so-called "SHE WINS" Act, recently introduced by Representatives Mike Odioso and Josh Williams. This bill, which seeks to reinstate a 24-hour waiting period for abortions, is a clear attempt to undermine the will of Ohio voters who passed the Reproductive Freedom Amendment in 2023. The Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment, approved by voters, guarantees individuals the right to make their own reproductive decisions, including access to abortion until fetal viability. By attempting to impose a mandatory waiting period and requiring physicians to provide information about questionable "reversal" procedures for medication abortions, HB 347 directly contradicts the spirit and letter of this constitutional amendment. It's important to note that a previous 24-hour waiting period was already blocked in court following the passage of the Reproductive Freedom Amendment. This new bill is likely to face similar legal challenges, potentially wasting taxpayer resources on litigation that goes against the clearly expressed wishes of Ohio voters. While supporters argue that this bill aligns abortion procedures with standard medical informed consent practices, it actually undermines patients' ability to make timely healthcare decisions. The bill's requirements would apply to elective abortions, excluding procedures for miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, or medical emergencies. However, this distinction fails to recognize that all reproductive healthcare decisions are deeply personal and time-sensitive. As your constituent, I urge you to oppose House Bill 347 and any similar legislation that seeks to restrict reproductive rights in Ohio. Instead, I ask that you focus on policies that truly support women's health and respect the constitutional rights of all Ohioans to make their own reproductive decisions without unnecessary government interference. The people of Ohio have spoken clearly on this issue. It's time for our representatives to listen and uphold the reproductive freedoms we voted to protect.