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Abortion Laws by State

Ohio

Nearby States: Michigan, Pennsylvania

The information on this page is not legal advice. To talk to a lawyer about your specific circumstances, question, and needs, call 844-868-2812 or contact us through our secure online form.

We do not sell or provide abortion pills. We cannot give medical advice.

  • Abortion available until 22 weeks of pregnancy
  • 24 hour mandatory waiting period before abortion
  • Under age 18, must have parental consent or a judicial bypass

Abortion available until 22 weeks

  • Except in emergencies, anyone having an abortion in Ohio must: 
    • get counseling in person at an abortion clinic; and
    • wait 24 hours before their appointment. 
  • Abortions after 22 weeks are available only if necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant person. You can learn more about emergency medical treatment under Getting the medical care you need on our Legal Rights and Risk page. 

Self-managed abortion is not a crime in Ohio. But what the law says and what happens in reality can be very different. If you have questions about your legal rights and risk, call 844-868-2812 or contact us through our secure form to speak with a lawyer.

To find an abortion provider, go to abortionfinder.org or ineedana.com.

An abortion fund or a practical support organization is an organization that can help pay for all or some of the costs of getting an abortion. Some funds only pay for the procedure. Others only pay for costs like travel, hotel, or childcare. Most require that you have an appointment at a clinic first. To find an abortion fund, go to:

If you are under 18 years old

  • You have the right to get an abortion, but you must have the consent (written permission) of one parent or a legal guardian. 
  • If you cannot or do not want to involve a parent, or your parent does not support your decision, you can ask a court for a judicial bypass. This is a legal process that lets you ask a judge for permission to make your own decision about your abortion, without involving a parent. 
  • You can only ask for a judicial bypass from a court in the county where you live or in a neighboring county. 
  • The court must schedule your hearing within 5 days of asking for a judicial bypass (not including weekends or holidays). After the hearing, a judge must make a decision as soon as possible, and it usually happens the same day. You can learn more about the judicial bypass process under Judicial Bypass on our Young People & Abortion page
  • You have the right to a free lawyer in a judicial bypass hearing. 

You also have the right to travel to a state that does not have parental involvement laws.

To find an abortion provider, go to abortionfinder.org or ineedana.com.

An abortion fund or a practical support organization is an organization that can help pay for all or some of the costs of getting an abortion. Some funds only pay for the procedure. Others only pay for costs like travel, hotel, or childcare. Most require that you have an appointment at a clinic first. To find an abortion fund, go to:

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