Manning's Pre-Natal Care Legislation Passes Senate

State Rep. Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) announces the Ohio Senate unanimous passage of House Bill 11 on June 10, legislation that addresses infant mortality. The goal of the bipartisan legislation is to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of mothers and children across the state. Manning acknowledged the bill’s Senate passage today. State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) is a joint sponsor. 

“I am so pleased to see this bipartisan legislation move forward and make its way closer to becoming law,” said Manning. “Infant mortality is three times higher among African Americans compared to white children due to a lack of prenatal care, oral health care, and tobacco usage and it’s an issue that certainly needs to be addressed.”

The bill would expand tobacco cessation programs and increase lead education and support group pre-natal healthcare programs, which hopefully results in decreasing the chances of infant illness or death, as well as to improve the health of mothers. The bill also decreases the state share of Medicaid spending dollars while increasing the federal share of Medicaid dollars. It will allow Ohio to utilize the state share savings to help balance the budget.

“An investment in Ohio’s mothers, children, and families are among our top priorities,” said Manning. “The passage of House Bill 11 demonstrates our effort to reduce infant mortality and increase access to health care for those who so desperately need it.”

House Bill 11 is one of the bipartisan priority bills for the 133rd General Assembly, legislation that builds pillars for a stronger Ohio.

The Ohio House concurred on Senate amendments today, sending the legislation to the Governor’s desk.