COLUMBUS, Ohio — Strict abortion bans in neighboring states have led many people to travel to Ohio for the procedure.
In 2023, Ohio voters approved an amendment protecting abortion rights in the state’s constitution. Since then, the Guttmacher Institute found thousands of patients have traveled to Ohio for abortions.
The Guttmacher Institute reported that 3,100 patients traveled to Ohio for abortions in 2023, many from Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia, where abortion is banned.
Researchers noted a trend: the number of people crossing state lines for abortions more than doubled in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2020. Over 90,000 people traveled out of state for abortions in the first six months of last year.
Catherine Romanos highlighted the risks of delayed abortions due to travel. She said, “Delaying an abortion increases the danger, even though it’s a safe procedure. It’s safer to have the abortion earlier in the pregnancy. Delays due to travel plans or costs can be risky.”
Ohio still has several laws affecting abortion access, such as a 24-hour waiting period and parental consent for minors. Romanos added, “We have a mandatory ultrasound requirement, and I’m limited in providing medication abortions.”
In 2023, over a million abortions were performed in states without total bans. Kellie Copeland, executive director of Abortion Forward, called this a “health care crisis.” She compared it to the outcry if similar numbers had to travel for heart or kidney procedures.
However, Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis questioned the study’s accuracy. He said, “The Ohio Department of Health produces an abortion report every October with detailed data, but those numbers haven’t been released yet.”
Gonidakis expressed skepticism, saying, “National media reports might be based on speculation rather than hard facts. We should focus on helping women have and raise their children or place them for adoption.”
Copeland noted that abortion would be a key issue in the upcoming November elections, influencing voters’ choices for state Supreme Court and federal positions.
Ohio is awaiting a court ruling on the Heartbeat Act, which would ban abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected. The law’s constitutionality is being challenged, with a decision expected next month.