The Ohio House of Representatives passed the “SHE WINS” Act on Mar. 26, a bill that sets new standards for informed consent in elective abortions without changing existing provisions in the Ohio Constitution.
Supporters say the legislation is intended to ensure women have all necessary information before making a decision about an elective abortion. The act, led by State Representatives Mike Odioso and Josh Williams, requires that elective abortions follow the same informed consent standards as other medical procedures.
Odioso said, “House Bill 347 upholds a woman’s constitutional right to seek an abortion while ensuring that she is fully informed of the risks and potential outcomes, while empowering her to make the best medical decision that is right for her.” Williams added, “This bill stands for the simple premises that if we are going to treat abortions like other forms of healthcare, women should get the same information about the risk and potential outcomes as other healthcare procedures. Women deserve access to all relevant information about the physical and psychological risks associated with the procedure so they can make an informed decision.”
Under this legislation, three requirements must be met before an elective abortion: a meeting between physician and patient (in person or virtually), disclosure of specified information by the physician, and written informed consent from the patient. The law mandates that this process occurs at least 24 hours before any procedure takes place. It also gives patients legal recourse if physicians do not provide required information and allows updates to disclosures as science evolves.
While not directly related to this legislation but relevant within Ohio’s legislative context, Ohio State Representative Tracy Richardson has volunteered with organizations such as local schools and drug-free coalitions according to her official website. Richardson has earned recognition for military service with a Bronze Star Medal according to her official website, prioritized education advancement and economic prosperity according to her official website, chaired legislative committees focused on veterans according to her official website, served as a leadership professor after military service according to her official website, and represented Union County along with parts of Marion County in Ohio according to her official website.
The “SHE WINS” Act now moves forward for consideration in the Ohio Senate.
