SB 8 and HB 63, the companion to SB 8, further restrict minors from having access to abortions through obtaining permission from the court, known as judicial bypass, by adding the following provisions:

-Outlining a higher level of evidence for permission to be granted

-Requiring courts to specifically ask the extent that a minor had been instructed on giving testimony or answering questions at the hearing

-Mandating that the courts ask questions about the minor’s understanding of potential emotional and physical risks of an abortion and the minor’s response to the risks should they occur.

Jurisdiction/Legislation Level

State

LCS Legislation Status

http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/sen129.nsf/Senate+Bill+Number/0008?OpenDo...

Our Take on This Bill

Women of all ages deserve control over their reproductive choices, but young women who are still minors are especially vulnerable to being deprived of choice. Ohio law already dictates that minors have parental consent before an abortion, and judicial bypass, or getting permission from a court, is a process to help ensure that these young women have their reproductive rights when circumstances at home would otherwise be a barrier. SB 8 and its companion bill HB 63 take steps to make it harder for minors to make their case in court and further limit minors’ access to reproductive choice.

Bill Status

Further action is not expected on this bill due to the passage of SB 8’s companion bill, HB 63.

Committees

Judiciary Civil Justice

Sponsors

Sen. Faber (R), Sen. Jones (R), Sen. Jordan (R), Sen. Schaffer (R), Sen. Seitz (R), Sen. Wagoner (R)

Authors

Sen. Gillmor (R), Sen. Grendell (R)

Status

Failed