COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bill that seeks to divert more than $1 million in government funding away from Planned Parenthood has cleared the Ohio House.
Backers say the proposal targets grants Planned Parenthood receives through Ohio’s health department. The public dollars — mostly federal money — support initiatives including HIV testing, breast and cervical cancer screenings and prevention of violence against women.
Democrats say the House measure, and its companion in the Senate, will eliminate federal grant money from the organization, leaving 80,000 women with limited access to healthcare services.
“Instead of playing politics and defunding proven, cost-effective programs, we should focus on expanding healthcare access for all Ohioans. Defunding Planned Parenthood is not only irresponsible, but harmful to thousands in our state,” said House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton).
The bill would restrict such funds from going to entities that perform or promote abortions, their affiliates and those that contract with an entity that performs abortions. It wouldn’t affect the amount of money available for such initiatives, just who could get the dollars.
“We want to encourage research and discussion on how we can improve our infant mortality rate, and we believe state funding should be used for those kinds of programs, rather than programs that support or promote non-therapeutic abortions,” said Rep. Margy Conditt (R-Liberty Township).
The House passed the bill Tuesday on a 62-33 vote. The Senate passed a similar bill last month. Legislative leaders now must decide which bill will advance.