On Thursday, November 15, extremist anti-abortion legislators in the Ohio House passed the six-week abortion ban, furthering their goal to outlaw abortion in the State of Ohio.

The Ohio General Assembly passed the six-week ban once before, and Governor-Elect Mike DeWine has promised to sign the bill if it passes the legislature. Despite Kasich’s veto last year, state politicians continue to push this unconstitutional ban, which could mean abortion access in Ohio will become inaccessible for the majority of women.

Statement from Iris E. Harvey, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio:

“The Ohio Legislature is continuing their ideological crusade to ban abortion in Ohio – starting with the unconstitutional six-week abortion ban. Many women do not even know they are pregnant before six weeks.

“This bill takes away a woman’s ability to make a decision before she knows she has a decision to make. This legislation criminalizes physicians from providing critical care to tens of thousands of patients who need it. Women should be trusted and respected to make their own health care decisions, period.

“Once again, this bill highlights the concerning priorities of this legislature. Rather than focusing on extremist social issues, the Ohio Legislature should focus on issues that really matter to Ohio families like infant mortality and affordable health care for all Ohioans. Blocking access to safe, legal abortion is dangerous, does not align with Ohioans’ values, and is shameful.”

Planned Parenthood works every day to ensure their patients receive the high-quality health care and education in a safe, respectful environment. That includes abortion. The bottom line is that a woman, not politicians, should make the personal, informed decision when it comes to her own pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio supports advocacy for women’s reproductive health and women’s rights, including grassroots organizing, community education, and lobbying. http://www.ppao.org