Women’s Health Should Come First
NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio urges Ohio Senate to reject Sub. HB 125 Columbus, OH - Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, called on Senate President Niehaus, Health Human Services and Aging Committee Chair Oelslager, and their colleagues to reject Sub. H.B. 125. This legislation poses a serious threat to the health of Ohio women because it would outlaw abortion before most women even realize they are pregnant. According to Senate sources, it appears this legislation is being fast-tracked for passage and could reach Gov. Kasich’s desk by the end of next week. “It is appalling that the Ohio Senate is poised to virtually outlaw abortion in Ohio. Outlawing abortion doesn’t stop it from happening; if women are unable to turn to doctors for this medical procedure some of them may take drastic measures.” Copeland said. “Instead of passing legislation that endangers the lives of women, and clearly violates both the federal and state constitutions, Senate leadership should keep their campaign promise to focus on creating jobs and fixing the economy.” Copeland continued. “Ohioans are hurting; they don’t need the Senate adding to their concerns by interfering in their personal, private medical decisions.” Sub. H.B. 125, the so-called heartbeat bill, would outlaw abortions at a point in pregnancy when many women do not yet realize they are pregnant. The bill shows the anti-choice movement’s true disregard for the health and well-being of women—it has no exceptions for women who become pregnant as a result of rape or incest, or women whose pregnancy is a threat to their health.
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