Who would have thought that Ohio would be next in line to introduce a Texas-style abortion ban, but worse? Tuesday, November 2, Republican lawmakers did just that when they introduced the legislation for House Bill 480.
House Bill 480 will ban all abortions in the state of Ohio, going even farther than the Texas abortion law that blocks abortions 6 weeks into pregnancy. On top of this, "Ohio's bill would establish, as its sole method of enforcement, a private right of action that allows anyone to sue abortion providers or anyone who helps obtain an abortion," according to Planned Parenthood Ohio.
This new legislation is unconstitutional against Roe v. Wade, but that does not mean there is nothing to worry about. Ohio lawmakers have introduced many anti-abortion laws before, including the Heartbeat bill, a six-week abortion ban.
On top of this, the Supreme Court is on the verge of overturning Roe v Wade. If this happens, one-third of women of reproductive age will lose their access to an abortion. Americans have a constitutional right to choose, and they also have a right to privacy as stated in the Due Process Clause of the Fourth Amendment. Yes, abortion does fall under that privacy.
Overturning such a monumental ruling seems like it could never be done, everybody knows the case and it is one of the first ones taught in school. Unfortunately, though, it can be done and it may be difficult, but that will not stop anyone from trying.
To achieve overturning the court 7-2 ruling from 1973, the anti-abortion lawmakers would introduce a piece of legislation that would be unconstitutional in the name of that decision. Once the word is out about the law, a group like Planned Parenthood will file a lawsuit.
In such a high-profile case such as this, the lawsuit will most likely make its way back to the Supreme Court, where it takes only four of the nine total Justices to hear a case. Once it is there, all they have to do is say that they made a mistake, and just like that, the case will be overturned and women will be losing their rights everywhere.
At the moment, they are already working to get a bill approved that would trigger this plan, so do what you can to help make sure this does not happen. Protest, spread awareness, send letters to your local lawmakers, and make your voice heard.
