Protecting Mothers in Post-Issue 1 Ohio: SHE WINS Moves Forward

By: Laura Strietmann, Executive Director, Cincinnati Right to Life

For over fifteen years, Cincinnati Right to Life has worked alongside pro-life attorney Brian Hurley to advance informed consent protections for women in Ohio seeking abortion. Brian Hurley is widely known for representing women harmed by abortions at Planned Parenthood. Most notably, he represented a teenage mother who had been raped by her soccer coach and then taken for an abortion — a heartbreaking case that underscored the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable mothers and their children.

Last week on Wednesday, February 18, proponent testimony was heard in the Ohio House Health Committee at the Statehouse in Columbus on important informed consent legislation that was created through the partnership between Brian Hurley and Cincinnati Right to Life — the SHE WINS Act, House Bill 347. This important step forward reflects years of dedicated work to ensure that mothers in Ohio receive complete, transparent information before undergoing an abortion procedure.

In January 2025, Cincinnati Right to Life began working with Americans United for Life (AUL) to strengthen and rewrite the legislation for a post-Dobbs, post-Issue 1 Ohio. As a reminder, very soon after Issue 1 in November of 2023, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU sued to remove laws protecting women from potential abortion harms. Recognizing this new legal landscape, AUL assisted in ensuring that SHE WINS is carefully tailored to withstand legal scrutiny while continuing to prioritize the health and safety of mothers.

Rep. Mike Odioso and Rep. Josh Williams are the sponsors of this important legislation, which Brian Hurley and Cincinnati Right to Life have have worked diligently for years to help bring forward. Reps. Odioso and Williams leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that SHE WINS received a hearing and serious consideration in the Ohio House. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Chair of the Health Committee, Rep. Jean Schmidt, for scheduling the bill to be heard.

During Wednesday’s hearing at the Statehouse, expert witnesses were brought before the House Health Committee to explain why informed consent is essential — no matter where one stands on abortion rights. While abortion is currently legal in Ohio, mothers deserve to fully understand the potential psychological, emotional, and physical risks associated with both surgical and chemical abortion.

Dr. Priscilla Coleman, an expert on post-abortion studies and a retired professor from Bowling Green State University, began her testimony by sharing valuable information on many notorious post-abortion studies. Dr. Coleman asserted, “The proposed legislation, SHE WINS, is crucial for protecting the health and the well-being of Ohio citizens. A 24-hour waiting period supports sound decision-making.”

Attorney Nick Bunch, a legal expert on Ohio’s informed consent laws, addressed the committee directly, referring to codes and statutes in Ohio law and explaining how this legislation is best for all Ohioans. He expressed many expert legal points, including, “Regardless of what the decision is, it will be an informed one.”

After his testimony, Mr. Bunch was asked a question by Rep. Brownlee of Symmes Township, where she attempted to equate her gallbladder removal surgery with the loss of a child in the womb by abortion. Attorney Bunch firmly responded, clarifying that such comparisons fail to recognize the profound moral and human reality involved in abortion.

“We would be ignoring the elephant in the room if we thought the abortion procedure was similar to any other medical procedure. We don’t know of any United States Supreme Court cases on gallbladders — but we all know about Roe v. Wade,” responded Mr. Bunch.

His testimony emphasized that abortion is unlike other medical procedures in both its gravity and its long-term consequences.

Representative Melanie Miller also addressed the discussion when Rep. Brownlee compared her gallbladder surgery to an abortion, stating:

“The reason abortion is different than any other procedure is because it’s taking the life of an innocent human being and it should be thought about over 24 hours. It is very reasonable — what is the problem with offering a 24-hour waiting period?”

Rep. Miller’s comments highlighted the commonsense nature of a waiting period and providing proper information on potential abortion side effects as a safeguard to ensure mothers have time to fully consider their decision with complete and accurate information.

Cinny Roy, a clinical psychologist and expert witness who has worked extensively with post-abortion-injured women — and even men — shared sobering testimony from her professional experience.

In her practice, Cinny has seen the toll abortion has taken on women and even men. “Anger directed at the abortionist and at the law for not telling them the whole truth. ‘They lied to me’ is a direct quote,” shared Cinny.

These powerful words speak to the necessity of full disclosure — not only regarding the surgical procedure of abortion but also chemical abortion, which is increasingly common and often portrayed as simple or risk-free.

Another expert witness, Dr. Patti Giebink, OB/GYN, a former abortionist for Planned Parenthood, explained, “Regardless of your position on abortion, you really need to support this bill. I have the unique experience of looking at this issue from both sides.”

Dr. Giebink, who traveled to Columbus from South Dakota, stated, “There is so much value in providing women with important information — all the information. This is so extremely important.” She also went on to explain the complications of surgical and chemical abortions, discussing lacerated cervixes and perforated uteruses.

After Dr. Giebink, Brian Hurley, the mastermind behind this bill testified and shared so much valuable information, including in his live testimony, “This isn’t a burden, this is a benefit. It shouldn’t matter if you’re pro-life or pro-choice.”

Besides the exceptional live testimonies, there are written testimonies shared with members of the committee that also make the point of the importance of this legislation for Ohioans. 

With abortion now enshrined in Ohio’s Constitution, SHE WINS is about ensuring that mothers are not left in the dark. True informed consent means complete transparency about the physical risks, psychological impact, and emotional consequences of abortion. It means respecting women enough to trust them with the whole truth.

Cincinnati Right to Life remains committed to advancing policies that protect mothers and their children from abortion. We are grateful to the legislators, expert witnesses, and legal partners who continue to stand for transparency, compassion, and life.

We also must thank our supporters who invest in our work. Without you, we would not be continuing to advance such needed legislation.
We will keep you updated as SHE WINS moves forward.

Do yourself a favor and please view the expert witness testimonies here where they begin close to the thirteen minute mark Ohio House Health Committee – 2-18-2026 | Ohio House of Representatives