Dems blast amendment to demote Planned Parenthood

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Democrats are blasting a proposed amendment to Gov. John Kasich’s mid-biennium budget bill that would demote funding for Planned Parenthood.

Some female lawmakers in the Democratic caucus said today at a Statehouse news conference that they plan to launch an online petition against what they called a “sneak” assault on women’s health.

The proposal would re-prioritize federal dollars to other community health groups that help uninsured and underinsured women.

Opponents say it will largely cut or altogether eliminate funding for Planned Parenthood, while anti-abortion groups have praised the idea.

The amendment was one of dozens introduced Tuesday to Kasich’s mid-biennium budget bill. Lawmakers recently split the package of policy changes into 10 smaller bills.

Hearings on the main budget measure continue today and Thursday.