Ohio

The State of Contraception: Ohio

90% of Americans support the right to contraception. But states across the country are threatening our right to common forms of birth control like the pill, IUDs, and Plan B.

In the case that overturned Roe v Wade, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas voiced support for overturning the constitutional right to contraception – a right established in Griswold v. Connecticut in 1965. Specifically, Thomas wrote that the decision recognizing the right to contraception for married couples (Griswold) should be “reconsider[ed].” 

A few weeks later, 195 House Republicans voted against the “Right to Contraception Act,” including 10 member of Congress from our state. That same year, Ohio lawmakers introduced a bill that could have effectively banned common forms of birth control, including IUDs.

Luckily, Ohioans took action and in 2023, we voted to protect our fundamental freedom to plan our families by passing Issue 1. This ballot measure ensures that a right to contraception is in our state constitution.

But nationwide, GOP Senators blocked the Right to Contraception Act—a bill Senator Sherrod Brown cosponsored. Senator JD Vance didn't even show up for the vote.

Ohio's GOP leaders have been of one mind on this issue. Senator JD Vance stood strongly against Issue 1. He has claimed that fetuses should have protection "from the moment of conception," which could jeopardize access to emergency birth control and IVF. Such legislation is a gateway for restricting contraception and potentially banning common forms of birth control, including IUDs.

Bernie Moreno, who is running for U.S. Senate, fought against Issue 1 and has repeatedly said, "I believe life begins at conception." That is the exact language that threatens IVF and common forms of birth control. State Rep. Merrin, who is running for Congress in one of Ohio's most hotly contested races, said, "we will not give up" after Issue 1 passed, even though it would override the will of the voters.

Learn more about the issue and the threat to our right to birth control.