House Bill 370 (Prenatal Equal Protection Act)

House Bill 370, referred to the House Judiciary Committee on September 15, 2025, would enact the "Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act".

The bill aims to extend legal protections to "preborn individuals" by criminalizing actions that cause the death of a fetus, with exceptions for ectopic pregnancies and medical emergencies.

While proponents state the bill does not criminalize women who have abortions, it would prohibit "everyone, including pregnant mothers, from engaging in the unlawful act of prenatal homicide".

Critics express concern that the bill could be used to investigate and prosecute women for miscarriages or pregnancy complications, despite language stating it doesn't apply to "accidental or natural deaths".

The bill has not moved beyond committee referral since September.

Know Your Rights During Pregnancy: Educate yourself about your legal rights as a pregnant person. Understand that you have the right to confidential medical care, informed consent for all procedures, and refusal of treatment. You are not legally required to disclose substance use, mental health conditions, or other personal information to law enforcement. If you experience a miscarriage or pregnancy complication, seek medical care immediately—your health and safety come first. If you're questioned by authorities about a pregnancy outcome, you have the right to remain silent and to consult with an attorney before answering questions. Save the phone number for legal aid organizations (find Ohio legal aid at ohiolegalhelp.org) in your phone before you need it.

1. Submit Opposition Testimony to the House Judiciary Committee: Write a personal letter opposing House Bill 370 and submit it as written testimony to the Ohio House Judiciary Committee. Address it to "Honorable Chair and Members of the House Judiciary Committee." Explain your concerns as a woman of color about how this bill could: discourage seeking prenatal care, lead to investigation of natural pregnancy complications, disproportionately impact women of color who already face surveillance in healthcare, and erode trust between patients and providers. Share relevant personal experiences if comfortable (you can request privacy protections). Mail and email your testimony (find contacts at legislature.ohio.gov/committees). Consider attending a committee hearing to deliver oral testimony if hearings are scheduled.​

2. Build Your Pregnancy Support Network: Whether or not you're currently pregnant, identify supportive resources in your community now. Find: healthcare providers who practice trauma-informed, culturally responsive prenatal care; doula services (especially Black doulas if you're Black—find at blackdoulas.org); home visiting programs; prenatal support groups; mental health services; and substance use treatment programs that welcome pregnant women. Save contact information for domestic violence hotlines (National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233) and maternal mental health support (Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773). Having trusted resources established before pregnancy provides a safety net and ensures you can access judgment-free care and support when needed.