Catholic Conference of Ohio The official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio on matters of public policy and government relations.

Catholic Conference of Ohio-supported House Bill 347 (R-Odioso | R-Williams) to enact the Share the Health and Empower With Informed Notices (SHE WINS) Act regarding abortion informed consent passed the Ohio House of Representatives. HB 347 requires a physician to meet with a woman at least 24 hours before an abortion and provide information on alternatives, the availability of medical assistance benefits that may be available for prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, and ensures that she is fully informed about the nature of the procedure, any associated risks, and receives information on the status of any risks associated with her pregnancy. The bill now goes to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio testified in support of House Bill 347 (R-Odioso | R-Williams) to enact the Share the Health and Empower With Informed Notices (SHE WINS) Act regarding abortion informed consent. The Catholic Church accompanies pregnant women in need through authentic friendship and ongoing support. "Community-based efforts such as Walking with Moms in Need connect women with resources and assistance, helping them to simultaneously welcome their children and achieve their goals,” testified CCO. The testimony continued, "HB 347 ensures women are informed of alternatives, the availability of medical assistance benefits that may be available for prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, and ensures that she is fully informed about the nature of the procedure, any associated risks, and receives information on the status of any risks associated with her pregnancy. … We urge the Committee to support women by ensuring that they are liberated from the freedom-limiting coercion of difficult circumstances and unsupportive or despairing voices, and instead empowered with knowledge that elicits hope for their future and that of their children."

Read the full testimony >