House Bill 63 will require a minor who is seeking judicial bypass to prove her case with “clear and convincing evidence.” Additionally, the legislation requires the court to inquire as to the minor’s understanding of the possible physical and emotional complications of the abortion procedure and, if faced with such complications, how she would address and treat the situation. House Bill 63 also requires the court to inquire as to whether and to what extent the minor has been coached or prepared on answering questions and what testimony to give at the bypass hearing.

The Ohio Senate adopted an amendment to require minors to file applications for judicial bypass either in the juvenile court of their home county or in an adjacent county. Current law also gives minors the option to file in the juvenile court of the county housing the facility in which the abortion would be performed.

“The Senate amendment simply limits where the minor or friend of the minor can file an application for a judge to hear her case,” said Rep. Slaby. “Before, she could go to a court in a county where the abortion was going to be performed, which was not necessarily the county where she resided or an adjacent county.”

“House Bill 63 is a strong piece of pro-life legislation that has the support of Ohio Right to Life,” said Rep. Young. “It is my hope that it will help to reduce the number of abortions that are performed on young women who weren’t made aware of their options or who are forced into making a decision they aren’t ready to make.”

House Bill 63 originally passed from the Ohio House in March. It will now be sent to the governor for his signature.