Ohio Senate Votes to De-Fund Planned Parenthood
Pro-life Legal and Medical Experts Testify Before Committee
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Katherine Franklin
DATE: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 PHONE: 614-547-0099 ext. 304
COLUMBUS, Ohio–Today, the Ohio Senate approved legislation to de-fund Planned Parenthood, 23-10. The legislation was originally listed as part of Ohio Right to Life’s 2015-2016 legislative agenda which was announced in February. The bill has received renewed momentum from this summer’s undercover video scandal that shows Planned Parenthood officials allegedly selling aborted baby body parts. Senate Bill 214 is sponsored by Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina).
“The grotesque revelations of this summer’s video scandal have brought renewed energy to our pro-life state to end business with the abortion industry once and for all,” said Stephanie Ranade Krider, executive director of Ohio Right to Life. “From the outset, Senate President Keith Faber has been an outspoken opponent of Planned Parenthood’s scandalous, unethical and unlawful behavior. Ohio Right to Life thanks Senate President Faber for swiftly ushering our legislation through the Ohio Senate. We thank every co-sponsor and every supporting member for advancing and approving this historic, life-affirming legislation.”
Earlier today, the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee passed the legislation following witness testimony from pro-life organizations and abortion advocates. Casey Mattox, senior counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom, testified that SB 214 is both constitutional and consistent with applicable federal law. Julie Moore, director of operations for Pregnancy Decision Health Centers in Columbus, testified as a representative of Ohio’s vast network of pregnancy help centers that assist women facing unplanned pregnancies. Dr. Kathleen Lutter testified as an OB-GYN physician who has practiced medicine for 31 years.
“There is no reason that the State of Ohio should be in business with the so-called ‘Walmart’ of abortion,” said Krider. “When an organization like Planned Parenthood ranks as one of the world’s 50 most lucrative non-profits, the State should seriously reconsider how it is allocating taxpayer dollars. We are grateful for the prudence and compassion of our elected officials in continually leading our state towards a more life-affirming culture.”
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.