Governor John Kasich Signs Pro-Life Legislation
House Bill 63 Signed to Protect Parental Rights and Save Lives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Rachel Schlater
DATE: Wednesday, October 12, 2011
PHONE: (614) 547-0099 ext. 309
(COLUMBUS, OH) -Today, pro-life Governor John Kasich signed into law H.B. 63, a pro-life measure that will strengthen parental consent laws. This new law, supported by Ohio Right to Life and part of its 2011 legislative agenda, was sponsored by Rep. Ron Young and Rep. Lynn Slaby.
“We thank Governor Kasich, Senate President Tom Niehaus, and Speaker Bill Batchelder who continue to advance life-saving policies,” said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. “H.B. 63 strengthens parents’ ability to care for their children and prevents lawyers and others from taking mom and dad’s place when their child needs them most.”
H.B. 63 increases the standards for judges approving a minor’s petition to have an abortion without first obtaining written consent from her parents. There is evidence across the state that judges are rubber-stamping these requests without first determining that minors understand the potential physical and emotional consequences of their decisions, among other provisions. Governor Kasich’s signature on this bill strengthens our current parental consent law and ensures that parents are involved in their child’s life decisions.
“2011 has been a banner year for significant and responsible pro-life legislation. Ohio is witnessing the blessings of having the most pro-life Governor and General Assembly in our state’s history working together to save lives,” said Gonidakis. The bill passed in the Senate in September with an astounding 23 to 8 bi-partisan vote and received a concurrence vote from the House of Representatives in October.
Ohio Right to Life is grateful to all members of the legislature who supported this legislation and the Ohio Right to Life legislative agenda. To read the legislation, click HERE.