In a significant victory for the pro-life movement, Ohio governor John Kasich just signed a bill that defunds Planned Parenthood.
The bill had bipartisan sponsorship and while not perfect, it’s a great start.
Republican presidential candidate Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed legislation Sunday that will bar some state funds from going to Planned Parenthood. While the legislation doesn’t specifically name Planned Parenthood, it prevents the state of Ohio from contracting with any organization that provides or promotes abortions. Planned Parenthood is the nation’s largest abortion provider.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the bill will redirect approximately $1.3 million in state funds away from Ohio’s 28 Planned Parenthood clinics in favor of federally qualified health centers and health departments.
“Thanks to the pro-life leadership of Governor Kasich and his work with Ohio Right to Life, Ohio’s abortion industry is shrinking,” Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, said in a statement. “As Planned Parenthood haggles over the hearts and brains of aborted babies, Ohio Right to Life is marking history with legislation that is both ethically consistent and fiscally responsible.”
Well done, Governor Kasich. Defunding Planned Parenthood was a fiscally and morally sound decision to take money away from a criminal organization, and redirect the funds towards institutions who will actually provide quality health services to women.
There are plenty of options for women’s health services in Ohio. Taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to pay the salaries of individuals who are involved in the grotesque practice of buying and selling aborted fetal body parts for profit.
