Ohio doctors oppose 24‑hour abortion waiting period bill

Physicians from Ohio testified before the state Senate Health Committee urging lawmakers to abandon House Bill 347, which would require a mandatory 24‑hour waiting period before an abortion. Doctors argued that informed consent is already a core part of medical care and that the bill creates a discriminatory barrier not applied to other procedures, such as vasectomies. Dr. Elise Berlan said, “Requiring physicians who perform abortions to do this… is discriminatory and frankly, it is patronizing,” while Dr. Annalise Celano emphasized that “Informed consent ensures that our patients know the benefits and risks … enabling autonomy and empowerment.”

The bill, passed by the Ohio House along party lines in March, would obligate physicians to provide state‑mandated information—including debunked claims about abortion “reversal.” A Franklin County judge has paused enforcement pending a lawsuit, citing the 2023 voter‑approved constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. The measure must be voted on before the end of the year or be reintroduced in the next General Assembly.