Antonio Condemns Abortion "Trigger Ban"

Today, state Senator and Assistant Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement condemning Senate Bill 123, the so-called “trigger ban” legislation that would automatically outlaw all abortions in Ohio if the U.S. Supreme Court were to overturn Roe v. Wade. The bill, which had its first hearing in the Senate Health Committee today, does not contain any exceptions for rape or incest. “I’m disgusted that Republicans are considering this extreme legislation, which bans abortion with no exceptions for rape and incest. This bill does not represent the views of the majority of Ohioans. We have a robust amount of data showing that abortion is one of the safest medical procedures when it is legal and accessible. Republicans introduce this kind of legislation under the guise of protecting life, but women will begin to die the moment we severely restrict access to abortions and other reproductive care in this state. “I am worried that extreme legislation like this will further discourage young people – especially doctors, lawyers, nurses and teachers – from moving to and staying in Ohio. I am worried we will drive away businesses that do not want to subject their employees to such egregious laws. This bill moves Ohio backwards, not in a direction that makes the people’s lives better.”