Ohio voters approved reproductive rights. Will the state’s near-ban on abortion stand?

By JULIE CARR SMYTH
Associated Press

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A judge’s decision in a lawsuit against Ohio’s ban on most abortions could be near. Hamilton County Judge Christian Jenkins’ ruling could come as soon as Monday. It will take into account voters’ approval in November of a constitutional amendment assuring an individual’s right to make their own reproductive decisions. A 2019 bans most abortions once cardiac activity is detected. It has been mostly paused by the courts since it was enacted, except for a brief window in 2022 after Roe v. Wade was overturned. The state wants the law’s notification and reporting requirements to stay.