Judge temporarily blocks Ohio's 24-hour abortion care waiting period

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Franklin County judge has temporarily blocked Ohio's 24-hour waiting period law for abortion care after a lawsuit alleging the law is unconstitutional.

The ruling came Friday when Common Pleas Judge David Young passed a preliminary injunction blocking the 24-hour waiting period. Several women's health organizations sued the state after voters passed the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment as Issue 1 last November.

Ohio's state law required anyone seeking an abortion to make two visits to an abortion provider, with one occurring at least 24 hours before the procedure or inducement where the pregnant person can ask questions. The lawsuit alleges this is now unconstitutional following Issue 1's adoption.

“Policies like 24-hour waiting periods are exceptionally harmful, especially for low-income patients. Patients are forced to find funds for a second round of transportation and child care, and frequently obtain a second days’ unpaid leave from work just to make an unnecessary second visit to a doctor’s office," Abortion Forward Executive Director Kellie Copleland said. "In practical terms, that is an abortion BAN for many patients. Ohio voters do not want government interfering in patients’ lives and obstructing care.  

The state disagreed, alleging the lawsuit would overturn the state's duty to maintain voters' wishes.

"In this case, plaintiffs seek to expand the amendment beyond its true scope and intent -- beyond what Ohio voters approved," the defendants' opposition filing reads.

The lawsuit is ongoing, but with this ruling the 24-hour period is paused.