Since Issue 1’s passage in November 2023, which enshrined the right to abortion in the Ohio Constitution, the state has witnessed a concerning shift

in the moral landscape surrounding the sanctity of life. This constitutional amendment solidified access to abortion and prompted a series of legal challenges and legislative responses that reflect the ongoing struggle to uphold the dignity of human life from conception to natural death.

In August 2024, a legal challenge emerged when a 24-hour waiting period for individuals seeking abortions was blocked by a Franklin County judge. Intended to encourage reflection and informed decision-making, the requirement was deemed an unnecessary barrier by Judge David Young. The removal of this waiting period has contributed to Cincinnati becoming an abortion destination for many women from southern states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, which imposed stricter abortion regulations.

In October 2024, Ohio’s six-week abortion ban, known as the “heartbeat bill,” was also blocked by Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins. This law aimed to prohibit abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks of pregnancy. His legal decision underscores the need for society to recognize every human being’s inherent dignity, including the most vulnerable among us.

Additionally, two laws were blocked that aimed to restrict access to Mifepristone, the abortion pill. The laws sought to impose necessary safeguards on chemical abortions, which not only clearly harm the child, but also carry significant health risks to the mother. The blocking of these measures raises concerns about prioritizing convenience over health and well-being, emphasizing the need for policies that actually protect women’s health.

The legal landscape shifted again in February 2025 when a law requiring the humane disposal of aborted fetuses was ruled unconstitutional. This law aimed to ensure respect for the dignity of the unborn, and its rejection raises troubling questions about society’s commitment to honoring life at every stage.

Amid these developments, two significant bills currently under discussion in the Ohio legislature offer great hope that could profoundly impact the protection of life. The first is a pair of identical bills—House Bill 72 (HB 72) and Senate Bill 134 (SB 134)—which aim to prohibit state funding for any drugs intended to terminate a human life at any stage. This ban includes state funding for the abortion pill and drugs used for physician-assisted suicide and the death penalty, including the outright abolition of capital punishment in Ohio. Proponents argue that these bills reflect a commitment to the sanctity of life, aligning with the Church’s teaching that every human life is precious and deserving of protection.

The second bill, House Bill 324 (HB 324), known as the Patient Protection Act, aims to require in-person visits and follow-up appointments for any drug that has serious side effects in more than 5% of users. This legislation would directly affect Mifepristone’s availability in Ohio, removing the dangerous telehealth option and minimally reinstating the original requirements for in-person initial and follow-up physician visits that were in place when the drug was first approved in 2000. To watch podcasts on both pieces of legislation, go to: catholicaoc.org/beingprolife, click on the video playlist page, and scroll through the available videos.

As Ohio navigates the post-Issue 1 landscape, ongoing legislative debates and court rulings highlight the complexities of defending the sanctity of life. While Issue 1 has secured troubling protections for abortion access, new bills reflect continued efforts to shape a future that respects every human being’s dignity. As Catholics, we are called to advocate for a culture that cherishes life and supports families in need. The coming months will be crucial in determining how these legislative efforts unfold and what they will mean for the protection of innocent lives in Ohio. ✣

Bob Wurzelbacher is the Director of the Office for Respect Life Ministries in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

This article appeared in the October 2025 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.