Antonio and Senate Democrats Vote Against Six-Week Abortion Ban
March 13, 2019
Nickie J. Antonio News
For the second time in four months, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate today passed the six-week abortion ban, Senate Bill 23.
“Lawmakers shouldn’t be interfering in women’s private health care decisions,” said Ohio Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). “We should be working to improve Ohioans’ lives and create good-paying jobs so that families can afford to take care of their children. This shameful attack signals to the rest of the country that Ohio is more focused on legislating women’s bodies than helping workers."
Despite majority public support for upholding Roe v. Wade, the bill was marked as a priority for Senate Republicans earlier this year. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
“The six-week abortion ban is unconscionable,” said state Senator and Health Committee Ranking Member Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood). “This extreme bill is dangerous to the health, safety and livelihood of women and threatens to criminalize doctors. This bill is unconstitutional and millions of Ohio taxpayer dollars will eventually be spent defending it in court. Ohioans sent us here to fix roads and help them put food on the table, not intrude into a woman’s private medical decision.”
Senate Democrats introduced amendments to the bill, all of which were tabled, including provisions to:
“Lawmakers shouldn’t be interfering in women’s private health care decisions,” said Ohio Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights). “We should be working to improve Ohioans’ lives and create good-paying jobs so that families can afford to take care of their children. This shameful attack signals to the rest of the country that Ohio is more focused on legislating women’s bodies than helping workers."
Despite majority public support for upholding Roe v. Wade, the bill was marked as a priority for Senate Republicans earlier this year. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
“The six-week abortion ban is unconscionable,” said state Senator and Health Committee Ranking Member Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood). “This extreme bill is dangerous to the health, safety and livelihood of women and threatens to criminalize doctors. This bill is unconstitutional and millions of Ohio taxpayer dollars will eventually be spent defending it in court. Ohioans sent us here to fix roads and help them put food on the table, not intrude into a woman’s private medical decision.”
Senate Democrats introduced amendments to the bill, all of which were tabled, including provisions to:
- Provide exceptions for victims of rape or incest and women with mental health issues
- Allow hospitals to provide rape victims with emergency contraception
- Require health insurance coverage for maternity services