Cleveland Heights Councilperson Condemns Ohio Abortion Ban

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — Cleveland Heights City Councilperson Kahlil Seren has formally introduced a resolution calling on the city to condemn Senate Bill 23, the controversial law that bans abortions in Ohio once a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

Seren has requested that his resolution be given its first reading on May 6. If passed, Seren's legislation would instruct the Cleveland Heights' Law Department to contribute to any state or federal legal challenge to the constitutionality of SB 23 via the submission of an amicus curiae brief.

“This legislation follows the examples set by Elizabeth Brown, P.G. Sittenfeld, and the Councils of Columbus and Cincinnati, which have affirmed the rights of their residents through official acts of Council," Seren said in a release on Tuesday morning.

The Cleveland Heights councilperson further discussed his inspiration, citing the region's State Representative Janine Boyd, among others.

Boyd tried to halt the passage of Senate Bill 23 in early April. As the ranking Democrat on the House Health Committee, she called for additional hearings on the legislation. She expressed particular concern over the elimination of language that expressed the state's interest in protecting the health of women.

Boyd's efforts ultimately failed. Senate Bill 23 passed through the Ohio House in mid-April and was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. The ACLU has already filed a lawsuit challenging the Constitutionality of the legislation.

"This is the most restrictive abortion ban in the country, and a prime example of extreme, partisan lawmaking at its worst," said Boyd after the bill's passing. "This unvetted, rushed legislation will have serious unintended consequences down the road for Ohio women, children and families."

Senate Bill 23 bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. The legislation offers no exceptions to the abortion ban in cases of rape or incest, and some exceptions if the health of the mother is in danger. The bill passed through the Ohio Congress along party lines, with Republicans controlling both the Ohio House and Ohio Senate.

Under the new law, medical professionals could face up to a year in prison if they perform an abortion, according to Cincinnati.com.

Seren hopes the city's condemnation of Senate Bill 23 will be a signal to residents of Cleveland Heights, as well as a political statement to the region.

“These last few months have been awful and stigmatizing for me. Knowing my state and my country are actively working to harm people like me makes me feel like I have a target on my back. This resolution might not create material changes in the way our government works, but it will make me feel safe and welcome here as someone who has had an abortion. This is why I’m proud to call Cleveland Heights my home," said Cleveland Heights resident and business owner, Mallory McMaster.