COLUMBUS – The governor of Ohio signed pro-life legislation into law this week that includes provisions to discourage abortion procedures, while at the same time encouraging pro-life options.
John Kasich, the highly popular Republican governor of Ohio, signed the latest edition of the state’s 3,700-page budget Sunday night, which includes several pro-life provisions. The budget explicitly describes each child in the womb as an “unborn human individual,” and requires abortionists to meet with women considering abortion in order to discuss the nature of the procedure.
Abortion advocates are decrying the new budget, saying Governor Kasich is severely infringing upon “women’s rights.” In a recent statement, Stephanie Kight of Planned Parenthood of Ohio lambasted the law, asserting that it is harmful to women.
On Twitter, Kight accused Governor Kasich of “joining the war against women’s health” by passing the “disgusting” budget.
Elisabeth Smith, spokeswoman for the Democratic Governors Association, provided a similar reprimand to the new law, according to CNN.
Ohio Right to Life released a statement soon after the bill’s passage, describing the legislation as “historic” and perhaps the “most pro-life in history.” In the statement, Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, praised the state’s new budget.
The passage of Ohio’s new budget occurred hours before lawmakers in Texas reconvened to pass legislation that would protect all unborn babies after 20 weeks gestation, as well as require abortion facilities to meet higher medical standards. Due to last week’s unprecedented filibuster and protests, Texas troopers—some with riot gear—were seen patrolling the Texas capitol on Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle. Lawmakers are hoping to have the legislation passed by sometime next week.