Findlay Times

State Reps. Dr. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Beryl Brown Piccolantonio (D-Gahanna) have introduced HB 502, the Protect Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART) Act, which seeks to safeguard access to essential ART procedures such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

“As legislators, our job is not to interfere in the lives of our constituents whether it is their right to an abortion or to assisted reproductive technology. Our role should be to support legislation that continues to improve society whether it be for reproductive health, environmental health, public education or public health,” stated Rep. Somani.

The proposed bill includes provisions for civil and criminal immunity for providers, facilities, or healthcare personnel involved in assistive reproductive care. It also offers protections for patients seeking such care by ensuring that third-party organizations, including law enforcement agencies, do not have access to private medical information.

“First and foremost, this bill is about respecting and upholding the will of the voters in Ohio who resoundingly supported the constitutional right to make and carry out their own reproductive decisions, including fertility treatment. IVF is not a partisan issue, as Ohioans from across the political spectrum supported this amendment,” said Rep. Brown Piccolantonio.

The bill now awaits assignment to a House committee.

A press conference detailing the introduction of HB 502 can be viewed on the Ohio Channel.