The Ohio proposed bill will make it a felony for men to ejaculate without the intent to get the woman pregnant.
Here’s the breakdown:
The Proposed Law: State Rep. Anita Somani, a Democrat, introduced this bill as a response to anti-abortion legislation. It’s nicknamed the “Conception Begins at Erection Act.” Exceptions include protected sex, masturbation, sperm donation, and sex between LGBTQ+ partners where conception isn’t possible. The penalty would be a fine up to $10,000 per violation.
The Goal: Somani’s goal isn’t to actually pass this law, but to highlight what she sees as the absurdity of laws regulating women’s reproductive choices. She argues that if women’s bodies and choices are going to be regulated, then men’s should be as well.
The Context: Ohio voters recently approved a constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. Despite this, anti-abortion activists are pushing for a total abortion ban in the state, arguing that a fetus has the same rights as a person.
The Debate: Republicans criticize Somani’s bill as ridiculous and a waste of time. They argue that they’re not trying to regulate women’s bodies, but rather protect unborn life. Somani counters that anti-abortion laws are equally invasive and that if regulating men’s reproductive actions seems absurd, then regulating women’s should also seem absurd. She also points out what she sees as hypocrisy in Republicans’ approach to which bills are considered “jokes” and which are not, given their own legislative priorities.
The Future: Somani’s bill is unlikely to pass in the Republican-controlled legislature. However, it serves to spark debate and draw attention to the ongoing fight over reproductive rights in Ohio.
