State Representatives Gayle Manning and Stephanie Howse Introduce Prenatal Care Legislation

COLUMBUS - State Representatives Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) and Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) today introduced House Bill 11, legislation addressing prenatal care. The goal of the legislation is to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of the mother and child. 

“Governor DeWine, through his budget proposal, has shown that an investment in Ohio’s mothers, children, and families are among his top priorities,” said Rep. Gayle Manning. “I am honored to sponsor this legislation to further support the Governor in his efforts. Being a retired teacher, mother, and grandmother, I understand the importance in caring for children, mothers, and families across the state, especially those who have difficulty accessing health care. I am committed to increasing health outcomes for our Ohioans.” 

The bill would expand tobacco cessation and oral healthcare, increase lead education and support group pre-natal healthcare programs to improve the health of the mother and decrease the chances of infant illness or death. 

“When babies who are born in Ohio have less of a chance to make it to their first birthday than infants in most developed countries, something is fundamentally broken about the way we approach healthcare,” said Rep. Stephanie Howse. “Our bipartisan effort will take a holistic approach in ensuring babies across our state – from all backgrounds, races and ethnicities – have a stronger start in life and can grow to be healthy and happy Ohioans.” 

HB 11 will now be assigned to a committee and will await its first hearing.