NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio Calls for Hearing on Commonsense Bill to Prevent Unintended Pregnancy and Reduce the Need For Abortion
Ohio Prevention First Act reflects consensus, not divisive attacks Columbus, OH – Today, at a capitol rally, Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, called for hearings and a vote on the bipartisan Ohio Prevention First Act – a package of commonsense proposals that would help reduce the number of Ohio women who face unintended pregnancies each year. Pro-choice advocates from across the state were at the capitol for the Freedom of Choice Ohio Prevention First Lobby Day. Copeland, whose organization endorsed the Ohio Prevention First Act and worked with lawmakers to advance this legislative measure, said the bill represents an ideal opportunity to ensure that Ohioans have access to the education and services they need to prevent unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. “The public wants lawmakers to pursue a solution-oriented agenda that will empower women, protect their privacy, and improve their heath-care options,” Copeland said. “The Ohio Prevention First Act gives our legislature an opportunity to focus on reducing the need for abortion through commonsense prevention measures. It has been a year since this legislation was introduced, and Ohioans deserve to know when their representatives will give this legislation hearings and a vote. We thank State Rep. Tyrone Yates, State Rep. Jon Peterson and Sen. Sue Morano for their unwavering commitment and leadership in advancing this thoughtful legislation that Ohioans on both sides of the choice debate can support.” The Ohio Prevention First Act contains policies that would help women and couples prevent unintended pregnancy. It increases funds for family-planning services, requires insurance companies cover birth control just like other prescription medications, ensures survivors of sexual assault receive access to emergency contraception in the emergency room and improves women’s access to emergency contraception, among other things. Contact: Kellie Copeland, 330.524.1577 ###
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