COLUMBUS, Ohio — Many expect the highly anticipated U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade to be given by week’s end, and a chain of events could unfold in Ohio if it does.

What You Need To Know

  • Many expect the highly anticipated U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade to be given by week’s end

  • Senate Bill 123 and House Bill 598 are two “trigger ban” bills being tossed around the Ohio legislature

  • Both would outlaw abortion and make it a fourth-degree felony

Senate Bill 123 and House Bill 598 are two “trigger ban” bills being tossed around the Ohio legislature.

State Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson, and State Sen. Sandra O’Brien, R-Ashtabula, introduced Senate Bill 123 in Feb. 2021, while Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Township, introduced House Bill 598 last February.

Both would outlaw abortion and make it a fourth-degree felony.

As the bills stand, they would go into effect or be “triggered” by a Supreme Court opinion or amendment to the U.S. Constitution, if Roe v. Wade is overturned. 

Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, has been vocal about waiting for a decision to enact both bills.

Spectrum News 1 Legal Analyst Rory Riley-Topping said it could take some time for them to go into effect in Ohio. 

“Even though we have that legislation that’s introduced, obviously none of it has been signed into law,” said Riley-Topping. “The fact we haven’t seen either signed into law gives credibility to what Matt Huffman was saying that they want to wait for a decision and see what the decision itself does say.” 

There is also the Heartbeat Bill, which has a stay on the bill because it was challenged in federal court. Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio, said if Roe v. Wade is overturned, he will ask Attorney General Dave Yost, R-Ohio, to lift the stay.

Riley-Topping said it’s possible the Supreme Court uphold its previous decision.

“If Roe is upheld, it’s likely the decision will be upheld, so for right now, this issue likewise, we’re still waiting for this decision,” said Riley-Topping. 

With the Ohio Legislature also in summer recess, it’s unlikely the bills will pass or signed into law for months. 

Riley-Topping said, still, there is a lot for Ohio voters to keep their eyes on this election season. 

“I think because we have seen just how pressing an issue this is for Ohioans and citizens across the country, it’s definitely going to be an issue we’re going to see talked about in this election,” said Riley-Topping.

The Supreme Court is expected to decide on the case soon.