Ohio Republicans to introduce bill that would treat abortion as homicide and ban all procedures in the state
IndependentJUN 16
Ohio GOP Proposes Near-Total Abortion Ban
Above: An abortion rights supporter holds a sign on stage after winning the referendum on a measure to enshrine a right to abortion in Ohio's Constitution, in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 7, 2023. Image copyright: Megan Jelinger/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This legislation acknowledges the fundamental principle that all human beings are entitled to equal protection under the law from the moment of conception. The 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause supersedes state constitutional amendments that deny fundamental rights to preborn persons — sometimes standing for what's right means opposing popular opinion, just as abolitionists once opposed slavery despite majority support.
Democratic narrative
This extreme bill violates the clear will of Ohio voters, who overwhelmingly approved reproductive rights protections in 2023. Criminalizing women's healthcare decisions and banning IVF treatments that help families conceive represents government overreach into deeply personal medical decisions. The legislation threatens women's lives and bodily autonomy while ignoring constitutional protections.