Ohio Lawmakers Push for Stricter Rules on Abortion Pills

New legislation would require patients to sign forms warning of rare risks associated with medication abortion.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Ohio lawmakers are advancing a bill that would add new disclosure and liability requirements for healthcare providers who prescribe abortion pills. The legislation would require patients to sign a state-written form outlining potential risks and complications, and would allow lawsuits if issues arise. Supporters say it would help patients make informed decisions, but reproductive rights advocates argue it could discourage medication abortions.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of ongoing efforts by anti-abortion activists to impose stricter regulations on access to medication abortion, which has become an increasingly common method for terminating pregnancies. While the risks associated with mifepristone are extremely low, the new requirements could create confusion and discourage patients from choosing this option, potentially limiting reproductive rights in the state.

The details

Senate Bill 309 would require healthcare providers to give patients a state-written form from the Ohio Department of Health outlining possible risks and complications with abortion medication. The form would also state that the patient and their family could sue if issues occur. Providers would have to keep the signed forms in the patient's medical records for at least seven years. If they don't comply, lawsuits could be brought, and providers could be ordered to pay penalties.

  • The bill is currently in its second hearing in the Ohio legislature.
  • The Ohio Reproductive Freedom amendment, approved by voters in 2023, protects the right to make reproductive decisions including abortion until fetal viability.

The players

Senate Bill 309

Legislation introduced in the Ohio state legislature that would add new disclosure and liability requirements for providers of medication abortion.

Kyle Koehler

A Republican state senator in Ohio and sponsor of Senate Bill 309, who says the legislation is a "patient protection policy."

Jaime Miracle

The deputy director of Abortion Forward in Ohio, who argues the bill is an attempt by anti-abortion activists to scare patients away from medication abortion.

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What they’re saying

“Truly, this legislation is a patient protection policy. We know much more about the dangers associated with Mifepristone today than we ever have in the past, and the women who are being prescribed this medication have every right to know, as well.”

— Kyle Koehler, State Senator (cleveland.com)

“The medical professionals that provide medication abortion are the same as medical professionals that provide any other medical service. They inform patients about the risks of medication, the benefits of the medication, they talk about all the things you have to talk about in informed consent because they're all covered by the same informed consent laws.”

— Jaime Miracle, Deputy Director, Abortion Forward in Ohio (cleveland.com)

What’s next

The Ohio Reproductive Freedom amendment, approved by voters in 2023, protects the right to make reproductive decisions including abortion until fetal viability. This legislation could face legal challenges if passed.

The takeaway

This bill is part of ongoing efforts by anti-abortion activists to impose stricter regulations on medication abortion, which has become an increasingly common method for terminating pregnancies. While the risks associated with mifepristone are extremely low, the new requirements could create confusion and discourage patients from choosing this option, potentially limiting reproductive rights in Ohio.