Ohio voters made their voices clear in 2023: reproductive health decisions belong to patients, not politicians. Yet lawmakers in the Ohio House have passed another bill—House Bill 347—that would force patients to wait at least 24 hours before receiving abortion care, even as a nearly identical law is already being challenged in court.

This is not about safety. It’s about delay.

For many Ohioans, especially those in rural areas, low-income communities, or facing urgent medical timelines, a mandated waiting period can mean additional travel, lost wages, childcare challenges, emotional distress, and health risks. These are not abstract inconveniences—they are real barriers that make healthcare harder to access when time matters most.

Supporters of the bill claim it ensures informed decisions. But patients already consult with licensed medical professionals who are trained to provide accurate, evidence-based care. Inserting a rigid, one-size-fits-all delay undermines that relationship and substitutes political judgment for medical expertise.

At the same time, Ohio continues to face broader reproductive healthcare challenges—from fertility treatment access to care for conditions like endometriosis—yet this legislation prioritizes restriction over support.

We call on the Ohio State Senate to reject House Bill 347 and respect both the will of the voters and the doctor-patient relationship. We also urge Governor Mike DeWine to oppose and veto any legislation that creates unnecessary barriers to legal medical care.

Ohioans deserve healthcare that is timely, respectful, and free from political delay. Our voices—and our votes—should matter.