Ending Abortion:
Protecting Unborn Children & Their Parents

HHS Rule Opposed: Violates Rights of Conscience & Religious Freedom

U.S. Bishops sharply criticize the decision by the Obama administration in which it “ordered almost every employer and insurer in the country to provide sterilization and contraceptives, including some abortion-inducing drugs, in their health plans.” [MORE]

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Video message on this issue.

USCCB concerns regarding the HHS rule related to mandated insurance for contraceptive services

Catholic Relief Services' statement on HHS rule:

Catholic Charities USA's statement on HHS rule:

Catholic Health Association statement on HHS rule

USCCB fact sheet on HHS rule

PARISHIONERS URGED TO SUPPORT THE RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF CONSCIENCE ACT

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Komen to Stop Grants to Planned Parenthood [MORE]

Ohio Bishops on fundraising for Komen for the Cure

The Ohio Bishops direct fundraising efforts by Catholic parishes and schools toward activities and organizations that are fully consistent with Catholic moral teaching.

Ohio Bishops' response to Komen for the Cure July 2011

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HB 298: This legislation will redirect millions of taxpayer dollars away from abortion-providing groups like Planned Parenthood and towards the hundreds of health centers that provide responsible health care for women, their children and unborn children. It was introduced in the House on July 13, 2011. Sponsor testimony was held on December 14, 2011 in the House Health Committee.

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On July 20, 2011, House Bill 78, the Viable Infants Protection Act, was signed into law. It prohibits abortion after 20 weeks when the child is proved to be viable and can live outside the womb. It is scheduled to take effect on October 20, 2011. Vote totals

Catholic Conference of Ohio Testimony in support of HB 78

House & Senate supporters

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House Bill 125, the Heartbeat Bill, prohibits an abortion of an unborn human individual with a detectable fetal heartbeat.

There has been considerable debate, both within the legislature and among well-intentioned pro life advocates, whether such legislation will be found constitutional and able to be implemented. Changes continue to be discussed to help unify pro-life advocates around this legislation.

The Catholic Conference of Ohio supports the intent of HB 125 and is working to help resolve concerns and differences regarding specific language and constitutional interpretations.

The House passed the bill on June 28, 2011 54-43.

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On December 14, 2011 the Ohio Senate passed HB 79 by a party-line vote of 23-10. It now goes to the governor for his signature. House Bill 79 excludes abortion coverage from the State Exchange created in the federal health care reform law. The federal law includes a provision allowing states to opt out of abortion coverage.

Catholic Conference of Ohio Testimony in support of HB 79.

HB 79 passed in the House on June 28, 2011 by a vote of 62-36.

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HB 63 was signed into law on November 4, 2011. It goes into effect on February 3, 2012. HB 63 revises Ohio's current Judicial Bypass for Parental Consent law. The bill provides further guidance to judges in determining a minor’s maturity to bypass parental consent prior to an abortion.

Catholic Conference of Ohio Testimony in support of HB 63

H.B. 63 was voted out of the House of Representatives on March 15, 2011 by a vote of 64 to 33. On September 27, 2011 House Bill 63 passed out of the Senate by a vote of 23-8

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Senate Bill 94 and House Bill 171 prohibit human cloning, the creation, transportation, or receipt of a human-animal hybrid, the transfer of a nonhuman embryo into a human womb, and the transfer of a human embryo into a nonhuman womb.

Hearings have begun in the House Health Committee on HB 171

The Catholic Conference of Ohio supports both SB 94 and HB 171.

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The Protect Life Act, H.R. 358 would address flaws in the new health care reform law and bring it into line with policies on abortion and conscience rights that have long prevailed in other federal health programs. It would do so by preventing funds under the new law from subsidizing abortion or health care plans that cover abortion, protecting the consciences of health care providers who decline to participate in an abortion, and ensuring that the law doesn’t override state laws on abortion and conscience. Additional Information, including contact information

Conscience Protection: On August 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an "interim final rule" that will require virtually all private health plans to include coverage for all FDA-approved prescription contraceptives, sterilization procedures, and related "patient education and counseling for all women with reproductive capacity." These are listed among "preventive services for women" that all health plans will have to include without co-pays or other cost-sharing -- regardless of whether the insurer, the employer or other plan sponsor, or even the woman herself objects to such coverage. see action alert