Summary of Ohio HB 493 (131st General Assembly)

• Abortion Heartbeat Ban: Prohibits abortion once a detectable fetal heartbeat is present, with limited exceptions for medical emergencies; requires physicians to determine fetal heartbeat presence before performing abortions.

• Informed Consent Requirements: Mandates physicians provide pregnant women with written notice of fetal heartbeat detection and statistical probability of carrying pregnancy to term; requires 24-hour waiting period before abortion procedure.

• Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting: Expands mandatory reporting requirements for certain professionals and clarifies procedures for investigating child abuse and neglect reports by public children services agencies.

• Adoption Promotion Committee: Creates a Joint Legislative Committee on Adoption Promotion and Support composed of three House and three Senate members to study and promote adoption options.

• Reporting and Documentation: Requires physicians performing abortions to submit detailed reports to the Department of Health; establishes penalties for violations including fines, civil damages, and disciplinary actions against medical professionals.