Ohio bill to grant pregnant women accessible parking draws supporters, critics

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – At recent hearings, supporters of an Ohio bill allowing pregnant women to use accessible parking argued that the measure would make the state more family friendly, while others warned it could limit parking options for people with disabilities.

House Bill 450, sponsored by Reps. Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown) and Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), would allow pregnant women to obtain a removable windshield placard permitting them to use accessible parking.

To obtain the decal, pregnant women would have to submit an application to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, including confirmation that they are pregnant from a health care provider and their due date. The legislation tasks the BMV with determining the size, form, material and color of the decal, which would cost $8.

The placard would be valid for one year, and women could apply for it at any point in their pregnancy. The permit would not be renewable, but women could obtain another for a subsequent pregnancy. 

Proponents of the measure had the opportunity to speak at an Oct. 28 hearing, and opponents at a Nov. 4 hearing. Groundwork Ohio, a nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of young children and families, was among those in favor of the proposal. 

“Pregnancy is a time of heightened physical vulnerability and risk,” said Caitlin Feldman, senior director of policy. “By easing the logistical physical burdens of parking and walking from remote lots, the state of Ohio would be recognizing the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum women while aligning with other statewide priorities to make Ohio a more family-friendly state.”

Pam Bell, a midwife in the Cincinnati area, also testified in support of the bill, stating that even pregnancies without complications can result in mobility issues. She said postpartum women may be recovering from lacerations or a cesarean section. 

“Regularly needing to walk distances further than 200 feet is difficult and may delay or complicate healing after delivery,” she said. “Providing closer, more accessible parking is supporting our pregnant and postpartum population in a concrete way.”

The final proponent testimony came from Marsha Forson, an associate director with the Catholic Conference of Ohio. Forson said accessible parking for pregnant women fosters a sense of “communal solidarity” and contributes to the “safety and well-being” of mothers. 

Conversely, the United Spinal Association, a national nonprofit representing wheelchair users, testified against the measure. Stephen Lieberman, senior director of advocacy and policy, said people with disabilities across the country have continually reported issues with the availability of accessible parking spaces. 

Current federal standards require between 2% and 4% of all parking to be accessible spaces. The United Spinal Association gathered data from state agencies across 20 states, and found that nearly 10% of registered vehicles can legally use accessible parking. In Ohio, that figure is nearly 13% – "far beyond” what current standards can support, Lieberman argued. 

“We firmly believe that expanding eligibility to parking in accessible parking spaces without increasing the proportion of those spaces in parking lots, garages and in on-street parking just exacerbates the existing accessible parking problems in Ohio,” Lieberman said. 

Cure SMA, a nonprofit supporting those affected by spinal muscular atrophy, expressed similar concerns, while testifying as an “interested party,” rather than an opponent or proponent. Sarah Bellish, manager of policy and advocacy, encouraged the committee not to expand eligibility for parking placards without increasing the number of accessible spaces. 

“In 2023, there were 127,439 births in the state of Ohio,” Bellish said. “Adding this many additional vehicles to the already limited pool of accessible parking spaces, though well-intentioned, would make it significantly harder for individuals with disabilities to find available spots.”

The Ohio BMV currently offers three types of removable windshield placards to residents who have a disability that limits their mobility. These permits include a standard placard that expires after 10 years, priced at $5, a temporary placard that expires within six months ($5) and a permanent placard with no expiration date ($15). Residents must also apply for these placards and provide proof of their condition from a medical provider. 

HB 450 awaits additional hearings before the House and Senate could vote on the proposal. If passed by the Statehouse, the bill would then head to Gov. Mike DeWine for final approval.