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Ohio lawmakers fail to act on Planned Parenthood funding
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
Lawmakers left the Statehouse for the year without acting on legislation that would block public funding of Planned Parenthood.
Separate bills appeared to be on fast tracks after lawmakers returned to Columbus after their summer recess, with Senate Bill 214 moving through the Senate in October and House Bill 294 moving through the House before Thanksgiving.
But neither bill saw action this month, as lawmakers worked behind the scenes to determine which version would be the ultimate vehicle.
Both bills would require the Ohio Department of Health to ensure public funds are being used for their intended purpose – the legislation lists breast and cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS initiatives and other specific programs – and not for abortions.
Funds from the specified programs would be blocked for groups that perform abortions or have contracts or are affiliated with providers of such services.
Planned Parenthood received about $1 million in public funding through the state health department last year.
The legislation was introduced after video recordings released earlier this summer showed Planned Parenthood employees purportedly discussing the sale of body parts from aborted fetuses.
Opponents of the legislation say the recordings were heavily edited and that Planned Parenthood does not sell or otherwise illegally transfer fetal tissue.
Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, told reporters this week the House bill likely will be the version to move.
Stephanie Ranade Krider, executive director of Ohio Right to Life, said she is hopeful the bill will pass in the new year.
“I think we just ran out of time,” she said, adding, “I fully expect it to be voted on early next year. We’ll be pressing for that.”