The Ohio state Senate passed a bill last week that cuts Planned Parenthood’s $1.5 million in public funding and includes $5 million for over 200 crisis pregnancy centers.
This comes after the Ohio Department of Health Director Richard Hodges was sued by two Planned Parenthood branches over a 2016 bill that prevented public funds for elective abortions.
The Republican-controlled legislature passed the controversial bill in 2016. The law, signed by Republican Gov. John Kasich, prohibits the Department of Health from providing funds to entities that “perform or promote non-therapeutic abortions.”
The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the state.
“Governments generally may do what they wish with public funds, a principle that allows them to subsidize some organizations but not others and to condition receipt of public funds on compliance with certain obligations,” Judge Jeffrey Sutton wrote for the majority. “The Ohio law does not violate a woman’s right to obtain an abortion.”
Supporters say the funding increase will allow the centers to provide additional counseling to women with unplanned pregnancies, free ultrasounds, parenting classes, and baby items, according to Cleveland.com.
State Sen. Sandra Williams introduced an amendment to remove the $5 million in funds, which failed 23 to 10.
“The funds in this program do not go to evidence-based initiatives proven to reduce infant and maternal mortality,” the Cleveland Democrat said. “Rather, they go to organizations with anti-choice agendas who often offer inaccurate medical information.”
Despite initial pushback from Democrats, the bill passed the state Senate unanimously.
The budget, which is centered around education, childrens’ health programs, and efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality, goes to committee next week and is expected to be signed by Gov. Mike DeWine.
