(Columbus, OH) The Ohio House and Senate must reconcile their versions of a controversial abortion bill.
The Ohio Senate approved a bill this week banning abortions based on a diagnosis of Down syndrome over opponents’ objections. The Senate version would subject doctors who perform abortions in such cases to criminal penalties and potential loss of their medical licenses. Women receiving the abortions would not be punished.
Opponents claim the bill would require women to deliver Down syndrome babies who might not have the resources, support or commitment to care for them. But supporters argue terminating those types of pregnancies amounts to discrimination.
Once a compromise bill is reached, both houses will vote again, expected in the closing days of the legislative session.