What You Need to Know About Ohio Birth Control Laws
Birth control is essential to helping individuals remain safe and healthy while remaining in control of their lives and futures. Especially now, when so many forms of reproductive freedom are on the line, it is critical to understand what the laws look like in your state. Here’s everything you need to know about birth control laws in Ohio and your reproductive rights.
Birth control is generally legal in Ohio, but employers are not always required to cover it extensively as part of health insurance. Here’s what you need to know about contraception and your reproductive rights in Ohio.
Legalized Birth Control in Ohio
All forms of federally legal contraception are legal in Ohio. Laws restricting abortion do not apply to birth control in Ohio.
Types of Birth Control in Ohio
Legal birth control in Ohio includes:
- Emergency contraception methods like Plan B
- Barrier methods like condoms
- Oral contraceptives like the birth control pill
- Birth control implants or patches
- Birth control vaginal rings
Birth Control Coverage in Ohio
Ohio requires health insurance corporations to provide basic health services, including voluntary family planning services deemed medically necessary. Health coverage does not extend to all forms of birth control. Ohio does not require healthcare services to cover prescription birth control methods.
Related: What Is a Post-Birth Order?
Birth Control for Minors in Ohio
Ohio considers minors capable of granting informed consent to diagnosis, treatment, or services.
Some minors are reluctant to seek reproductive services because they are afraid of having their information shared. When minors have legally informed consent to treatment, they receive the right to confidentiality from their healthcare provider.
In some cases, this is not possible. For instance, if healthcare workers feel a guardian neglects or abuses their child, they must report it. Ohio must make certain records of mental health services available to parents if a therapist believes the safety of the individual or one of their peers is at stake. A minor must be made aware of this parental disclosure. Billing or payment through health insurance leads to the accidental disclosure of confidential information.
Emergency contraceptives like the morning-after pill, which do not require a prescription for adults choosing to pay out of pocket, require a prescription for individuals under 17.
Related: Ohio Surrogacy Laws & Legal Process
Abortion in Ohio
As of June 2022 in Ohio, abortion is legal until six weeks of pregnancy. Following the overturning of Roe v Wade, Ohio may further restrict abortion.
FAQs About Ohio Birth Control
Are there any resources for free birth control in Ohio?
Nonprofit organizations and women’s health clinics such as Planned Parenthood provide free birth control and resources in Ohio.
How can I stay up to date on birth control/abortion laws in Ohio?
The Center for Reproductive Rights offers a helpful map of abortion laws by state. The center updates an abortion rights map in real-time.
Do birth control laws vary by county in Ohio?
Yes, in Ohio, birth control laws may vary by county. Check with your Ohio county legislator to stay up to date on the most recent birth control laws in your district.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Ohio Birth Control Laws, get your free consultation with one of our Women’s Rights Attorneys in Ohio today!