1. What are the state-level laws governing abortion access in Ohio?
In Ohio, abortion access is governed by Ohio Revised Code 2919.12 and 2919.121. These state laws prohibit abortions after a certain point in a pregnancy unless the life of the pregnant person is in danger or there is a substantial risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function. The law also requires that any physician performing an abortion must have admitting privileges at a local hospital, unless the procedure takes place in a hospital or ambulatory surgical facility. Additionally, the law requires a waiting period of 24 hours between the initial consultation and when the procedure can be performed as well as parental notification for minors looking to receive an abortion.
2. When did the state of Ohio legalize abortion?
The state of Ohio legalized abortion in 1970 with the passage of the Ohio Abortion Law.
3. How does the state of Ohio regulate abortion procedures?
In Ohio, abortion procedures are regulated by the Ohio Department of Health. All abortion providers must be licensed by the Department and must comply with the regulations set forth in the Ohio Administrative Code. The regulations cover a wide range of topics, including: patient consent requirements, physician qualifications, facility requirements, reporting requirements, abortion methods, and parental notification requirements. Additionally, any medical emergency resulting from an abortion procedure must be reported to the Department.
4. What are the legal requirements for obtaining an abortion in Ohio?
In Ohio, abortion is legal, but there are certain regulations in place. All abortions after the first trimester must be performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgical facility and require parental consent if the person is a minor. All abortions must be performed by a licensed physician. In addition, those seeking an abortion must receive counseling 24 hours prior to the procedure. A follow-up visit is also required.
5. Does the state of Ohio offer comprehensive reproductive health services?
Yes, the state of Ohio offers comprehensive reproductive health services through its network of local health departments.
6. Does Ohio have any restrictions on late-term abortions?
Yes, Ohio has some restrictions on late-term abortions. The Ohio Revised Code states that a pregnancy can be terminated at or after 24 weeks gestation only if the attending physician or other qualified physician determines that there is a medical emergency, such as a serious risk to the life or physical health of the pregnant woman. In addition, Ohio requires that the woman be provided with information about her medical condition and the abortion procedure, and that the procedure is performed in a hospital.
7. What is the parental consent law for minors seeking an abortion in Ohio?
In Ohio, a minor seeking an abortion must have either written consent from a parent or guardian or a court order granting permission. Minors may also receive consent from an adult relative or a licensed physician.
8. Does Ohio fund abortion services through Medicaid?
No, Ohio does not fund abortion services through Medicaid. In 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill prohibiting any public money from funding abortion services in the state.
9. Does Ohio require that women receive counseling prior to obtaining an abortion?
Yes. Ohio requires that women receive information about the risks and alternatives to abortion during a pre-abortion counseling session.
10. Does Ohio impose waiting periods before a woman can obtain an abortion?
Yes. Ohio imposes a 24-hour mandatory waiting period before a woman can obtain an abortion.
11. Are there any restrictions on telemedicine abortion services in Ohio?
Yes, Ohio requires that telemedicine abortions are only available to patients who have already consulted with a physician in person. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Health requires that a physician or qualified health professional be in the same room as the patient during the telemedicine consultation. The patient must also be able to access emergency services in their community.
12. Is insurance coverage for abortion services available in Ohio?
No, insurance coverage for abortion services is not available in Ohio. Insurance coverage for abortion services is only available in certain cases, such as if the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest, or if the mother’s life is in danger.
13. Does the state of Ohio require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services?
Yes, the state of Ohio does require providers to offer medically accurate information about abortion services.
14. Are there any laws regarding the disposal of fetal remains in Ohio?
Yes. In Ohio, fetal remains must be buried or cremated. The Ohio Department of Health has issued regulations for the disposal of fetal remains. These regulations provide that fetal remains must be buried or cremated and must not be disposed of in any type of landfill or sewer system. In addition, any facility that performs an abortion must make arrangements for the burial or cremation of the fetal remains unless the parent has made alternative arrangements.
15. Are there any restrictions on the use of public funds for abortion services in Ohio?
Yes. According to Ohio state law, public funds can only be used to cover abortion services in the case of rape or incest, when the life of the mother is at risk, or when there is a risk of substantial and irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.
16. Is there a ban on abortion based on sex selection in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio’s budget bill passed in 2019 included a provision that made it illegal for doctors to provide abortions based on sex selection.
17. Does Ohio allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication?
Yes, Ohio does allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for contraception or abortion medication. The Ohio Board of Pharmacy adopted a rule in 2013 that allows a pharmacist to decline to fill a prescription based on religious or moral beliefs.
18. Does the state of Ohio require parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion?
Yes, the state of Ohio does require parental notification if a minor seeks an abortion. A minor must obtain the written consent of one parent or legal guardian before they can have an abortion.
19. Is there an informed consent requirement for women seeking an abortion in Ohio?
Yes. All women seeking an abortion in Ohio must sign a written informed consent form before the procedure can be performed. The form must include information about medical risks associated with the procedure, alternatives to abortion, and a description of the fetus’ development. The patient must also receive state-directed counseling and must wait 24 hours after signing the form before the procedure can occur.
20. What are the requirements for a safe and legal abortion in Ohio?
In Ohio, abortion is only legal up to the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy. The patient must receive in-person counseling at least 24 hours before the procedure and the physician must provide information about the medical risks, alternatives, and potential complications to the patient. After the procedure, the patient must be provided with post-operative instructions regarding post-operative care. The physician must also obtain informed written consent from the patient before performing the procedure.