Ohio lawmakers and advocates call for new restrictions on mail-order abortion pills after criminal case
Caroline MolloyOhio lawmakers and pro-life advocates are calling for tighter restrictions on abortion pills sent through the mail following a criminal case involving a former University of Toledo medical resident.
Hassan-James Abbas was sentenced Sept. 11 in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to six months in jail and two years of probation after pleading no contest to four felony charges, including unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug, identity fraud, deception to obtain a dangerous drug, and disrupting public services. Prosecutors dismissed additional charges as part of the plea agreement.
Court records cited in reporting on the case say Abbas used another person’s identifying information to obtain mifepristone and misoprostol and administered the medication to his pregnant girlfriend without her consent. A related civil case alleges that the drugs ended the pregnancy; Abbas’ attorneys have disputed that allegation. The State Medical Board of Ohio previously suspended his medical license.
At a Sept. 22 rally outside the Lucas County Courthouse, several advocates and Republican lawmakers called for additional restrictions on mail-order abortion drugs. Ohio state Rep. Josh Williams said he plans to pursue state legislation, while U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno asked the Department of Justice to review whether federal charges or other federal action are appropriate.
The case has become part of a broader dispute over federal and state regulation of mifepristone, including rules permitting the drug to be prescribed through telehealth and dispensed by mail.
