S.B. No. 297 Summary

• Prohibits abortion of an unborn human individual with a detectable fetal heartbeat, with exceptions only for medical emergencies that threaten the pregnant woman's life or risk substantial, irreversible impairment of a major bodily function.

• Requires physicians to determine presence of fetal heartbeat using standard medical practice before performing abortion; mandates written notification to pregnant woman and 24-hour waiting period after receiving information about fetal heartbeat detection.

• Establishes reporting requirements to the Ohio Department of Health for all abortion procedures, with violations subject to criminal penalties (felony of the fifth degree for performing abortion after heartbeat detected) and professional disciplinary action against physicians.

• Creates the Joint Legislative Committee on Adoption Promotion and Support to study mechanisms for increasing awareness and effectiveness of the adoption process.

• Provides civil action remedies allowing mothers to sue for wrongful death damages ($10,000 minimum or as determined by court) if abortion performed in violation of these requirements, with court costs and attorney's fees awarded to prevailing plaintiffs.