Judge Delays De-funding of Planned Parenthood
Ohio Stopped from Stripping $1.3 million from Abortion Providers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Monday, May 23, 2016 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Today, a federal judge in Cincinnati delayed the Ohio Department of Health from de-funding abortion providers of 1.3 million taxpayer dollars. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Judge Michael R. Barrett granted a temporary restraining order, which will last until June 6.
“If ‘choice’ is so important to Planned Parenthood, why do they and their allies refuse to let Ohio voters choose how their tax dollars are spent?” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “Through their elected leaders, pro-life voters have determined the need for a fiscal policy that does not come at the cost of human lives. Elections matter – one special interest’s dissatisfaction with the consequences doesn’t give them the power to compel taxpayers into a business partnership they don’t want.”
The law, which was a legislative priority for Ohio Right to Life in 2015, was set to take effect today, 90 days after Governor John Kasich signed the bill in February. On May 11, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Health to stop the law from going into effect. Planned Parenthood has acknowledged that these funds comprise 5-7 percent of their annual budget.
“Yet again, an activist judge jumps to Planned Parenthood’s rescue, showcasing the special privilege Planned Parenthood has, even in a state of pro-life voters,” said Gonidakis. “Despite the will of the people, Planned Parenthood will continue to feed at the trough of taxpayer dollars for another two weeks. Today, Planned Parenthood’s greed and power are on full display in Ohio.”
In October, Judge Barrett granted a preliminary injunction allowing Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio’s Cincinnati abortion facility to stay open, preventing the Ohio Department of Health department from suspending its license.
Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio’s oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.
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