Ohio Senate Passes 'Born Alive' Legislation

COLUMBUS—State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) yesterday announced the passage of Senate Bill 157 by the Ohio Senate, which would require medical professionals to preserve the life and health of an infant born alive after a failed abortion. "This bill acknowledges the simple fact that, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his or her birth, every child deserves our compassion and care," said Johnson. Senate Bill 157 would require abortionists to provide the same post-birth care that any other baby would receive for infants born after an attempted abortion, including emergency medical services and hospital transfers. The bill would also require physicians to report instances of infants being born alive after failed abortions to the Ohio Department of Health. In addition, the bill 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. Senate Bill 157 will now be sent to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. To learn more about Senate Bill 157, click here.