Proposed Legislation Sparks Controversy
A new bill in Ohio aims to define life at fertilization, potentially challenging existing reproductive rights.
- The “Prenatal Equal Protection Act” is set to be introduced this week.
- The bill could criminalize abortion, with exceptions for saving a woman’s life or miscarriage.
- It may affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
Will a new bill in Ohio overturn the state’s recent abortion protections? The proposed “Prenatal Equal Protection Act” seeks to establish legal protections from the moment of fertilization, potentially impacting access to abortion and fertility treatments in the state.
Austin Beigel, president of End Abortion Ohio, stated the bill aims to give the “preborn human being” the same legal protections as any other person. He believes this will establish the legal precedent that a fertilized egg is a person.
The bill includes exceptions for situations where the mother’s life is in danger or in cases of spontaneous miscarriage. If a woman undergoes an abortion, she could face charges for ending a human life, according to the bill.
Conflicting Views Emerge
Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2023 to protect abortion access. When asked about the amendment, Beigel said, “I would say they voted for something evil, and in our country’s history, there have been many times where unfortunately, the people have desired something evil.”
Rhiannon Carnes with Ohio Women’s Alliance expressed her intent to oppose the bill. She highlighted that Ohioans have already voted to protect abortion access and reproductive freedom within the state.
Carnes believes lawmakers are wasting time re-debating an issue already decided by voters, calling it “another attempt at extremist legislature attempting to abuse their power and authority over Ohioans.”
Impact on IVF Uncertain
The legislation doesn’t explicitly address the legality of IVF. However, Beigel suggests that if the bill passes, IVF practices would be affected, as human life would be considered to begin at fertilization.
According to Beigel, “The entire IVF industry would have to change how they handle the humans they create.”
Carnes stated that the bill disregards the decision made by Ohio voters who passed the constitutional amendment. She emphasized that abortion remains legal in Ohio.
Carnes added, “You have the right to make decisions best for you and your family. No politician has authority and power over that. It’s personal decisions.”
