Kasich to Enact His 18th Access-to-care Restriction with Signature of 20-week Abortion Ban

COLUMBUS, OH — House Democratic Whip Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) has responded to Gov. John Kasich’s executive actions today after eleventh-hour lawmaking last week brought two abortion bans to the governor’s desk. Kasich vetoed HB 493, legislation that would ban abortions in the state once a fetal heartbeat is detected, as early as five to six weeks; however, the governor signed into law Senate Bill 127, a 20-week abortion ban with no exception for rape or incest.

“Despite the governor’s sensible veto of one of the most extreme abortion bans in the nation, the sad truth is women now face yet another politically-motivated barrier to their access to care in Ohio,” said Antonio. “Criminalizing certain healthcare services and excluding exceptions for rape and incest just shows how some politicians place partisan politics above the health and autonomy of Ohio women.”

Both abortion related measures were quickly pushed through the House in less than 48 hours last week during a flurry of activity as the legislature looked to close out the 131st General Assembly.

Senate Bill 127 marks the 18th restriction on women’s access to healthcare Kasich has enacted during his two terms as governor