Conversations about re-implanting ectopic pregnancies into women’s uteruses are drawing nervous laughter, skepticism, anger and confusion, and we at The Daily Eastern News, as we can imagine other people are feeling the same, are left scratching our heads in bewilderment that this is still something state legislators are seriously considering.

Obstetricians and gynecologists have tried to explain on numerous instances that this is medically impossible; it does not exist in modern medicine. 

In Section 2904.35 of an Ohio House bill, it states on page 184: “A physician who does all of the following is not subject to criminal prosecution, damages in any civil action, or professional disciplinary action, for a violation of this chapter: … (C) Takes all possible steps to preserve the life of the unborn child, while preserving the life of the woman. Such steps include, if applicable, attempting to reimplant an ectopic pregnancy into the woman’s uterus.”

The bill drew a number of posts on social media from obstetricians and gynecologists who, once again, tried to explain that the practice of re-implanting ectopic pregnancies is impossible.

One such tweet from David Hackney, an OB/GYN from Cleveland Medical Center, became popular quickly.

In the tweet, he posted a picture of the bill section and said, “I don’t believe I’m typing this again but, that’s impossible. We’ll all be going to jail.”

An ectopic pregnancy occurs on the outside of the uterine cavity, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

They are also dangerous.

The ACOG says ruptured ectopic pregnancy is still a “significant cause of pregnancy-related mortality and morbidity.”

We at The Daily Eastern News believe the right for women to terminate their pregnancies if they are ectopic must be protected as ectopic pregnancies may put their lives and well-beings in jeopardy.

As for this section of the Ohio House bill, we at The Daily Eastern News are just really confused and annoyed right now. This is a practice that literally doesn’t exist, so why are we seeing it in this bill?

What’s really concerning is how just the existence of the re-implantation of ectopic pregnancies in this bill pours more misinformation on birth control and abortion out into the public.

This isn’t a gray issue — this is medically impossible and, if practiced, medically irresponsible. 

We need to start ridding the U.S. of misinformation like this. It starts in everyday conversations, and then debates.

It’s really unsettling to see it in a House bill.

The Editorial Staff can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].