CONTACT: Rachel Schlater

DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 2011

PHONE: (614) 547-0099 ext. 309

(COLUMBUS, OH) -Today, the Ohio Senate added to what has already been a historic pro-life year by approving HB 79, legislation designed to protect pro-life taxpayers from paying for abortion via Obamacare. This legislation now heads to pro-life Governor John Kasich’s desk for his signature.  With today’s passage in the Ohio Senate, HB 79 will be the seventh pro-life measure enacted in the state of Ohio in 2011.

                                    

Senator Kevin Bacon     Senate President Tom Niehaus    Senator Keith Faber

“As we move closer to national health care, it was critical for Ohio to take advantage of the federal opt out provision,” said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life.  “This legislation ensures that Ohioans who support life don’t have to pay for someone else’s elective abortions.”

 

House Bill 79 would exclude abortion coverage from the State Exchange which Ohio must create as required by the new federal health care law. The federal law includes a provision allowing states to opt out, making it possible for this legislation to protect the conscience rights of pro-life taxpayers.

 

“Ohio is committed to realizing a culture of life in our state and has become an example for the nation,” said Gonidakis. “That is evident through the unprecedented slate of pro-life legislation that has moved through the legislature this year alone.  We are blessed for the unwavering pro-life leadership of Senate President Tom Niehaus, Speaker Bill Batchelder and Governor John Kasich,” said Gonidakis. 

 

Ohio Right to Life is grateful to Senator Keith Faber, Senator Kevin Bacon, Senate President Tom Niehaus, and bill sponsors State Representatives Joe Uecker and Danny Bubp for standing up for pro-life Ohioans through House Bill 79.