Rep. Lear Protects Women and Children with 'Yes' Votes on SHE WINS & Indecent Exposure Modernization Acts

COLUMBUS-State Representative Beth Lear (R-Galena) yesterday voted in support of the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act, legislation that protects Ohio's children, preserves family values, and updates Ohio's outdated obscenity laws. The bill establishes important measures to protect children from being exposed to cabaret performances that are marketed to adults with adult themes, imagery, and performances, while also preserving the free speech rights of performers.

"It's concerning that we're even having to debate whether explicit, adult-themed performances should take place in public settings where children may be present. This legislation draws a clear, reasonable line while still respecting constitutional rights," said Lear.

Rep. Lear also voted in support of the "SHE WINS" Act, legislation that ensures a woman's right to make a fully informed decision about an elective abortion without modifying provisions in the Ohio Constitution.

The "SHE WINS" Act requires elective abortions to meet the same informed consent standards applied to other forms of medical care. The provisions of the bill provide updated guidance for physicians when a pregnant woman seeks an elective abortion, ensuring she has access to all necessary information, including the risks, before making a final decision.

"This bill does not eliminate a woman's choice to abort. What it does is provide protection for women who are manipulated into abortion by abusers or traffickers, requiring a 24 hour wait. This is much less than almost all surgeries require. If a shoulder or knee surgery takes weeks or months, it only makes sense to give a woman at least 24 hours to seek help, if she needs it, and consider the options before ending a pregnancy," said Lear.

Specifically, the bill requires three conditions be met before an elective abortion can take place:

• A meeting is facilitated between the physician and pregnant woman, which can take place in person, by telephone, or by virtual meeting.
• A disclosure is provided by the physician with specified information to the pregnant woman.
• The pregnant woman provides written informed consent at least 24 hours before an elective abortion is performed or induced.
  

The "SHE WINS" Act stands for "Share the Health and Empower with Informed Notices" Act.

House Bills 347 and 249 await further consideration from the Ohio Senate.