COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new amendment is officially on its way to the Ohio Constitution with voters approving Issue 1 on Election Day. But legal experts said it won't immediately erase all current laws in the state restricting abortion. 

What You Need To Know

  • Voters approved Issue 1, creating a new state constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights and abortion access

  • At this time, abortion is legal in Ohio through 21 weeks, six days of pregnancy

  • Currently, the future of the heartbeat law is in the Ohio Supreme Court's hands; legal experts say justices have different options to address the law, in light of the new amendment

At this time, abortion is legal in Ohio through 21 weeks, six days of pregnancy. It's in large part due to the "Heartbeat Law," signed by Gov. Mike DeWine in 2019, being placed on pause. The state appealed that decision to the Ohio Supreme Court. 

Legal experts expect movement soon on the case, with several options in the high court's hands, in light of the new amendment.

The amendment providng protections for reproductive rights and abortion will go into effect Dec. 7.

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