An Ohio lawmaker has proposed a bill that would require a woman to get written consent from the father of the fetus before she could have an abortion.
If unsure of who the father is, a woman would need to provide a list of potential fathers to the physician, who would then be responsible for conducting a paternity test from each of the men. Opponents of the bill say this puts a tremendous burden on the woman, as each paternity test can cost around $1,400.
Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) said House Bill 252 was designed to protect the rights of the father. Under current laws, fathers have no rights in regard to consent, as women can get an abortion without obtaining consent from the father.
The bill calls for criminal penalties for women who fail to provide consent. Providing a false biological father would be considered a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. A second "abortion fraud" offense would be considered a fifth-degree felony, punishable by up to a year in jail and $2,500 in fines. It is unclear whether the doctor who performs the abortion would face criminal penalties as well.
Adams said exceptions would be made in cases of rape and incest, or if the life of the mother would be compromised or threatened.
While Adams has received support from other pro-life advocates who feel the father has the right to voice his consent or dissent, the bill has been met with strong opposition from the other side.
Becki Brenner, president of Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio, said the bill is "insulting to women," and it is "a vehicle to deny a woman the right to have an abortion."
Adams introduced a similar bill two years ago, but it was killed by the Ohio House Health Committee.
Lawmakers are skeptical about whether the bill will pass this year.
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