Moments ago, the Ohio House voted to approve the Ohio budget, quietly closing a chapter in the effort to defund Planned Parenthood in Ohio. The budget bill did not include an amendment that would have stripped Planned Parenthood's funding for family planning health care, education programs, rape prevention programs, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and infertility treatments. That amendment was added to the bill last week and then removed in committee yesterday. (You can read media articles at the Big OH blog.)

The vote was a quiet end to this chapter thanks to all of you who spoke so loudly. Thousands of you made calls and sent emails making sure it was known that Ohio women and men support Planned Parenthood and the health care it provides for Ohio communities. Today, we clearly see the power of grassroots supporters like you. Thank you.

Of course, this chapter is part of a much larger book - a story of a national movement to attack women's health care. The Ohio Senate still has to vote on the bill, and this amendment could be re-inserted at any time. Also, the defunding amendment borrowed language from a bill that's sole purpose is to defund Planned Parenthood, House Bill 298. This bill still stands in Health Committee and will likely be the subject of the very next chapter.

Again, your work will be needed. You can sign a petition to oppose further defunding efforts here. By the end of the week, the Health Committee calendar will be released. We'll send word if hearings resume for House Bill 298.

Please continue to stand with Planned Parenthood as we help write the book on women's health care.

Sincerely,

Gary Dougherty
State Legislative Director
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Ohio

Moments ago, we received assurances that language that would strip funding from Planned Parenthood for family planning health care services, rape prevention programs, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and infertility treatment programs will be removed from the state budget bill, House Bill 487.  This change is expected to be voted on during today's Ohio House Finance Committee hearing at 1:30PM.

We will remain vigilant to ensure that once this language is taken out, it stays out.

Thank you for your work.  Stay tuned for further updates.