Ohio lawmakers this week introduced a bill that would mimic abortion restrictions passed in Texas that are currently being challenged in the Supreme Court.
Bill, House Bill 480also known as “Bill 2363,” refers to Texas bill SB 8, which went into effect on September 1 and prohibits all abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected. SB 8 allows citizens to take legal action against anyone who performs an illegal abortion or “aides or abets” someone seeking an illegal abortion. Those who successfully bring lawsuits under SB 8 could receive $10,000.
Ohio’s HB 480 bill bans all abortions and allows lawsuits against anyone who “knowingly engages in conduct to aid or facilitate an abortion.” It includes a prohibition on administering, purchasing or selling any instrument, drug or any other substance or agent with the intention of terminating a pregnancy.
HB 480 allows for a defense to a civil action for an abortion “caused or intended to prevent the death of the pregnant mother and the physician made reasonable medical efforts under the circumstances to protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child in a manner consistent with conventional medical practice.”
SB 8 in Texas is currently before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). On November 1, SCOTUS considered two unlawful cases, Whole Woman’s Health v. Jackson AND United States v. Texas. This latest case is a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against Texas for violating the law.
In a statement to the nonprofit Live Action, Rep. Jena Powell said she was proud to sponsor the bill and that the bill would protect the lives of women and unborn children.
“I’m proud to support Ohio House Bill 2363 because this legislation will change the landscape of Ohio and the United States,” Powell told Live Action. “It is time for lawmakers across the country to boldly stand up for the right to life of unborn children, and I am thrilled that House Bill 2363 will end abortion and protect the lives of women and children across our great country.”
