Rep. Schmidt Supports 'SHE WINS' Act

COLUMBUS-State Representative Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland), Chairwoman of the House Health Committee, this week voted in support of the "SHE WINS" Act, legislation that ensures a woman's right to make a fully informed decision about an elective abortion without modifying provisions in the Ohio Constitution.

The "SHE WINS" Act requires elective abortions to meet the same informed consent standards applied to other forms of medical care. The provisions of the bill provide updated guidance for physicians when a pregnant woman seeks an elective abortion, ensuring she has access to all necessary information, including the risks, before making a final decision.

"I'm grateful to Reps. Odioso and Williams for championing this legislation, which provides women with the right to knowledge and empowers them to make fully informed decisions," said Schmidt. "As Chair of the Health Committee, I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with the sponsors and other committee members to get this bill across the finish line in the House."

Specifically, the bill requires three conditions be met before an elective abortion can take place:

• A meeting is facilitated between the physician and pregnant woman, which can take place in person, by telephone, or by virtual meeting.
• A disclosure is provided by the physician with specified information to the pregnant woman.
• The pregnant woman provides written informed consent.
  

To ensure women are fully informed of the physical and mental health risks associated with abortion, the bill requires that a patient's informed consent be secured at least 24 hours before an elective abortion is performed or induced, aligning the procedure with the standard of care typically established for other medical procedures.

The bill also provides a legal recourse for women to pursue if they are denied any information necessary to make a fully informed choice by creating a cause of action against a physician who fails to meet this medically appropriate standard of care.

The "SHE WINS" Act stands for "Share the Health and Empower with Informed Notices" Act.

The legislation now awaits further consideration from the Ohio Senate.