Columbus, Ohio — In a significant development today, Judge David Young of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas issued a ruling blocking Ohio’s laws mandating a 24-hour waiting period and informed consent for abortions.
The judge held that the challenged requirements – the 24-hour waiting period requirement, the in-person visit requirement, and the state-mandated information requirements for abortion care – do not advance patient health and violate the reproductive rights guaranteed by the amendment.
Bethany McCorkle, Communications Director for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, addressed the decision in a statement. “We acknowledge the evolving landscape of reproductive rights and the protections enshrined in our Constitution,” McCorkle said. “However, we respectfully disagree with the court’s view that the informed consent and 24-hour waiting period requirements impose an undue burden. These regulations are critical safety measures designed to ensure that women receive comprehensive care and make fully informed decisions. Historically, such measures were upheld under Roe v. Wade. We intend to appeal this decision.
A statement from Jessie Hill, cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Ohio is as follows:
“This is a historic victory for abortion patients and for all Ohio voters who voiced support for the constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom and bodily autonomy. It’s clear that the newly amended Ohio Constitution works as the voters intend: to protect the fundamental right to abortion and to forbid the state from infringing on it except when necessary to protect the health of a pregnant person. This decision is the first step in removing unnecessary barriers to care. We celebrate this ruling and will push forward to make this injunction permanent.”
