Abortion

GOP-Backed Bill Expands Ohio's Abortion Rules

Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:04:00 +0000

Women seeking an abortion in Ohio would have to wait longer to undergo the procedure and listen to their doctors describe all of the fetus' "relevant features" under a measure being considered by state lawmakers.

The Republican-led Legislature's most recent attempt at curbing abortions would also require doctors to tell women that the procedure increases the risk of breast cancer and may cause pain to the fetus.

The bill will be presented Wednesday at a House committee hearing.

Kasich Won't Push Heartbeat Bill

Karen Kasler (Ohio Public Radio) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:30:00 +0000

The so-called "Heartbeat Bill" is dead in this session of the legislature, according to Republican Senate president Tom Niehaus. But its backers say they won't give up, and are still hoping for a last-minute maneuver to get it to the Senate floor before the end of the year. But one supporter of restrictions on abortion who's not getting involved is Gov. John Kasich.

"I let the legislature do its job, and then I respond. I try not to wade into the legislature," says Kasich. "I don't get in the middle of legislative activity."

Latest Tactic in Heartbeat Bill Fight Could Block It for Good in Lame Duck Session

Jo Ingles (Ohio Public Radio) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 13:35:00 +0000

Earlier this week, backers of what's known as the heartbeat abortion bill threatened to use a unusual tactic known as a discharge petition to bring the bill for a vote by the state senate - despite the wishes of it's president. Now the senate president is taking an unusual step of his own to make sure the bill does not come up for a vote by his members during the lame duck session.

Ohio Senate President Tom Niehaus has used an unusual procedure to keep the heartbeat abortion bill tied up in a senate committee for the next 30 days so it can’t come onto the floor for a vote.

Abortions By Ohio Women Are At An All-time Low

Associated Press and Akron Beacon Journal — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:30:00 +0000

The Ohio Department of Health reports that induced abortions dropped 12 percent last year, hitting the lowest number since the state started tracking them 35 years ago.

The Akron Beacon Journal reports that abortions have fallen in Ohio each year since 2000. Experts attribute it to a variety of factors, including increased use of birth control, better access to health care and improved health education.

The number of overall Ohio births also has fallen, 16.5 percent from 1990 to 2010.

Bill to Reduce Funding to Planned Parenthood

Jo Ingles (Ohio Public Radio) — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:30:33 +0000

An Ohio house committee has recommended a bill that would re-prioritize funding for family planning services so that Planned Parenthood would be last on the list.