November, 14 2018, 11:00pm EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Alissa Manzoeillo, National Abortion Federation
202.667.5881, ext 219
amanzoeillo@prochoice.org
Statement of The Very Reverend Katherine H. Ragsdale, Interim President & CEO of the National Abortion Federation (NAF) on Ohio Passing HB258, an Unconstitutional "Heartbeat" Abortion Ban, 58-35
WASHINGTON
Governor Kasich rightfully vetoed this unconstitutional abortion ban that jeopardizes the health and well-being of Ohio women and their families and it is appalling that the Ohio General Assembly has overridden his veto.
HB258 bans abortion before many women even realize they are pregnant, taking an important and personal decision away from them. This decision should be made between women, their health care providers, and those they trust without the involvement of the government.
Bans like this can force women either to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term, or to travel long distances to get the care that they need, further jeopardizing their health and well-being.
This is simply an attempt by anti-abortion elected officials to force their own personal beliefs on all Ohioans and it is unacceptable. We will continue working with our members and our Hotline to help people in Ohio obtain the abortion care they need.
The National Abortion Federation (NAF) is the professional association of abortion providers.Our members include individuals, private and non-profit clinics, Planned Parenthood affiliates, women's health centers, physicians' offices, and hospitals who together care for approximately half the women who choose abortion in the U.S. and Canada each year. Our members also include public hospitals and both public and private clinics in Mexico City and private clinics in Colombia.
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