Ohio Judge Blocks 24-Hour Abortion Waiting Period

A Franklin County judge has temporarily blocked Ohio's 24-hour waiting period for abortion patients, ruling that the requirement likely violates the state's constitutional amendment guaranteeing reproductive rights. The decision, influenced by the ACLU of Ohio's lawsuit, indicates that the law's restrictions do not advance patient health and infringe on constitutional rights. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost plans to appeal the ruling, arguing that the waiting period is essential for informed consent. This injunction also impacts other state-mandated requirements, including in-person visits and information dissemination before an abortion. The ruling marks a significant step following the passage of the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment in December 2023, which has made many existing abortion laws difficult to enforce. The judge emphasized that the amendment's language is clear and unambiguous in protecting individual reproductive rights.