Judge blocks Ohio from enforcing laws restricting medication abortions

Source: ABC News/AP

September 4, 2024, 3:37 PM


COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Two more Ohio laws restricting abortions have been blocked by the courts as the legal impacts of a 2023 constitutional amendment guaranteeing access to the procedure continue to be felt.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Alison Hatheway issued a preliminary injunction Aug. 29 that extends an existing order temporarily halting enforcement of a law banning use of telemedicine in medication abortions. It also blocks another law prohibiting non-doctors — including midwives, advanced practice nurses and physician assistants — from prescribing the abortion pill mifepristone used in the procedure.

Hatheway's decision followed a Columbus judge's order blocking Ohio from enforcing several other laws that combined to create a 24-hour waiting period for abortion seekers. Any appeals by the state could eventually arrive at the Ohio Supreme Court, where three seats — and partisan control — are in play this fall and abortion is considered a pivotal issue.

In her order, Hatheway said it is clear “the status quo shifted drastically" when the amendment known as Issue 1 went into effect in December — likely rendering many existing Ohio abortion restrictions unconstitutional.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-blocks-ohio-enforcing-laws-restricting-medication-abortions-113395652