The bill signed on Wednesday also states, “the pregnant woman is responsible for the costs related to the final disposition of the fetal remains at the chosen location.”
Those who are found to have failed to meet the requirements defined in the bill are subject to face, “a misdemeanor of the first degree.” If cremation is chosen as the form of disposal then the remains must either be placed in a “grave, crypt, or niche” or scattered in a “dignified manner.”
Laurel Powell of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio told local ABC-affiliate News 5 the law was not necessary.
“This is honestly just a familiar ploy by these lawmakers who use the chaos of the end of year session to try and pass these unpopular bills,” Powell told the news station. “Studies have repeatedly shown that the majority of Ohioans support access to safe and legal abortion care.”
“This is not something that is intended to promote patient safety or access to care. Really, it’s just another attack,” said Powell.
Governor DeWine has yet to sign another abortion-related bill on his desk. If signed it would ban the use of telemedicine for doctors and women when conducting medical abortions. It would also impose criminal charges if doctors violated the law.
