Governor Kasich Continues War on Women Signs Unconstitutional H.B. 79 into Law
Ohio Legislature-4, Governor Kasich-4, Ohio Women-0 COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, criticized Governor John Kasich for signing H.B. 79 into law because the bill bans Ohioans from being able to purchase insurance through the exchange that includes abortion coverage--even if they pay the premium entirely with their own money. The bill also violates the Ohio Constitution under Issue 3. “Politicians should never be allowed to limit the kinds of insurance benefits that women are allowed to purchase with their own money. All women deserve the same peace of mind that they can obtain the health care they need, regardless of where their insurance comes from,” said Copeland, “It is appalling that Governor Kasich signed this bill, which clearly violates the Ohio Constitution, into law. Surely there are better ways to spend taxpayer dollars than defending unconstitutional legislation in court.” H.B. 79 violates the Ohio Constitution under Article I, Section 21 (B) which states, “No federal, state, or local law or rule shall prohibit the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance.” The ACLU of Ohio has pledged to challenge H.B. 79 in court. Since January, Ohio legislators haves introduced 10 anti-choice bills and passed four. Gov. Kasich has signed four into law. Nationally, states have enacted 67 anti-choice laws so far this year. That is the second- highest number since 1995.
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