Ohio Senate Passes Bill to Protect Babies Born Alive After a Failed Abortion

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate today passed Senate Bill 157, taking an important step to ensure babies who are born-alive after a failed abortion receive the same medical care as other babies, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. The bill is sponsored by State Senators Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City), a practicing physician and Terry Johnson (R-McDermott), a retired physician. "Ohio is a pro-life state. Senate Bill 157 is another step in our continued commitment to uphold the sanctity of human life," said Senator Steve Huffman. "Regardless of what side of the abortion debate you are on, we can all agree that newborns deserve proper medical care and compassion." The bill also includes reporting requirements and penalties for the attending physician who fails to report a born-alive baby. While individual stories will remain confidential, the Department of Health will publish annually the number of babies who survive abortions. Current federal law recognizes that all infants born at any stage of development, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the birth, are “persons.” However, supporters of this legislation believe this recognition alone is insufficient to provide protections for infants born-alive following an attempted abortion.

In addition, Senate Bill 157 ensures taxpayer dollars do not directly or indirectly fund abortions by prohibiting a physician from being employed at a state-funded higher education or medical institution, if they serve as a consulting physician for an abortion clinic.

"I remain unapologetic in my fight to protect the unborn. This includes being diligent about how the state is using tax dollars and those will not be used to support abortions in Ohio," added Huffman.

To learn more about Senate Bill 157, click here.