Governor Ted Strickland signed Sub. H.B. 280 known as the Protecting Pregnant women from Coercion & Violence Act. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Michelle Schneider. The new law will allow proof of a pattern of failing to report known or suspected child sexual abuse in a lawsuit for damages against abortion facilities or others who are required to report child abuse. In addition, abortion facilities will be required to post a “No One can Force You to Have an Abortion” poster in a visible area. There will be mandatory minimum prison sentences for assault and penalties for domestic violence if the offender knows of a pre-existing pregnancy in the victim. There may be compensation and exemplary damages and the use of prior abuse incidents in a civil action for failure to file required reports of known or suspected child abuse. There will be mandatory prison sentences and payment of restitution to victims of human trafficking and prostitution.
In part, this bill is in response to the failure of abortion facilities to report sexual abuse of minors when they come to their facilities for abortions.