Legislation
Keep up to date on the latest reproductive health care issues in Ohio and find out how you can fight back.
Current Legislation:
As legislation is introduced, you will be able to read below for the latest information on legislation in the 135th Ohio General Assembly, which started January 2023 and will end in December 2024.
As legislation is introduced, we will provide ways for you to take action. You can subscribe to our emails to stay updated on the status of reproductive rights across Ohio.
This page was last updated on March 21, 2023.
Bad Legislation
Legislation that PPAO does not support and is fighting to stop.
House Joint Resolution 1: Attacking Ballot Initiatives
On February 15, 2023, HJR 1 was introduced by Rep. Brian Stewart (R).
This resolution would require all public-led ballot initiatives to receive a supermajority (60%) of votes instead of a simple majority at 50%+1 to pass. HJR 1 would eliminate the "cure period" for petitioners to have two rounds of gathering signatures as well as require petition signatures from all 88 Ohio counties rather than the current 44 county requirement.
This resolution was previously introduced in 2022 as HJR 6, but did not pass before the conclusion of the 134th General Assembly.
HJR 1 was referred to the Constitutional Resolutions Committee on February 16th, 2023. The resolution will receive sponsor testimony on March 22, 2023.
House Bill 6: Trans Athlete Ban
On February 15, 2023, Rep. Jena Powell (R) introduced a bill in the Ohio House that would ban transgender girls and women from playing women's high-school or college sports. This bill's ultimate goal is to invalidate, ignore, and dehumanize the reality of transgender and gender non-binary identities.
Trans kids who grow up in Ohio deserve the same experiences, opportunities, and respect that other kids have. Every Ohioan benefits when we all have the ability and resources to thrive.
This bill is in the Higher Education Committee. Sponsor testimony was delivered on March 8, 2023.
House Bill 15: Attack on Patients Seeking Abortion Care
On February 15, 2023, Rep. Jennifer Gross (R) and Rep. Beth Lear (R) introduced HB 15, which would require a pregnant person seeking an abortion to view and hear an ultrasound and have it described to them.
This bill would also force trusted abortion providers to share medical misinformation around abortion, including unproven connections between abortion and breast cancer, as well as the unproven connection between abortion and "psychological or emotional harm."
The bill was referred to the Public Health Policy Committee on February 16th, 2023 and has not yet received any hearings.
HB 68: Health Care Ban for Trans Minors
On February 22, 2023, Rep. Gary Click (R) introduced a bill in the Ohio House that would ban gender-affirming care for transgender and non-binary youth ─ regardless of parental consent, wishes of the patient, diagnosis, or previous care-plan.
If passed, this bill would directly attack transgender children who, like any other children, have the best chance to thrive when they are supported and can get the health care they need.
This bill was assigned to the Ohio House Public Health Policy Committee on Feburary 28, 2023. It has not received any hearings yet.
What we're fighting for:
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio is a leading force in the fight to defend reproductive rights for all. Every single day, we work with our legislative allies, partner groups, and community members to make sure that abortion remains a safe, legal, and accessible service. We will continue to fight for that - no matter what.