DAYTON, Ohio — Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Whaley released the following statement after news that politicians in the Statehouse have proposed legislation that would ban abortion at conception. The bill raises the possibility that certain forms of birth control or pregnancy via in vitro fertilization could also be banned.
“This legislation is further proof that Governor DeWine and the extremists in the Legislature will stop at nothing until all abortions are illegal in our state. Ohio women deserve to be able to make these choices between themselves, their families, and their doctors – without politicians like Mike DeWine inserting themselves in the process. Not only does this bill take away a woman’s right to make decisions about her own body and future, but it will hurt the economic future of our state. That’s why, when I’m Governor, I’ll fight to enshrine the protections previously afforded in Roe into the Ohio Constitution.”
Numerous Republican leaders in Ohio have been in support of a full abortion ban. Some sources indicate that, if passed, there would be an exception added to save the life of the mother. However, no such exception would be available for victims of rape and incest. Currently, abortion is allowed in Ohio up to six weeks, but many Ohioans take issue with this, as some women do not even realize they are pregnant until after this time frame.