Ohio — Statute

Determination of Presence of Fetal Heartbeat | Ohio Title 29 - Crimes and Procedure | Ohio Law

Ohio law mandates fetal heartbeat detection before abortion, requiring documentation and offering women the option to view or hear the heartbeat.

Legal Content

Determination of Presence of Fetal Heartbeat

Ohio — Ohio Title 29 - Crimes and Procedure

Summary

Ohio law ORC 2919.191 requires that anyone performing or inducing an abortion must determine if a fetal heartbeat is present before proceeding, except in medical emergencies. The law mandates recording details of the heartbeat test, including gestational age and results, and provides the pregnant woman the option to view or hear the heartbeat. Medical professionals must also document emergency conditions if applicable and retain records for at least seven years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ohio law require before performing an abortion?

Ohio law requires that the presence of a fetal heartbeat be determined before performing an abortion, except in medical emergencies.

Can a pregnant woman see or hear her fetal heartbeat during the procedure?

Yes, the law gives the pregnant woman the option to view or hear the fetal heartbeat before the abortion is performed.

What records must medical providers keep under this law?

Providers must record the gestational age, method used, date and time of testing, results, and any emergency conditions, and retain these records for at least seven years.

Are there any exceptions to the fetal heartbeat requirement?

Yes, if a medical emergency prevents compliance, the provider must document the emergency and the medical condition that prevented testing.

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In simple terms: Ohio law mandates fetal heartbeat detection before abortion, requiring documentation and offering women the option to view or hear the heartbeat.. This means people must follow this rule, and breaking it can lead to criminal penalties.

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