Johnson calls latest assault on Ohio women's access to healthcare a political ploy

State Rep. Greta Johnson (D-Akron) today criticized the introduction of legislation that restricts women’s access to critical healthcare services.  House Bill 294, sponsored by Rep. Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland) and Rep. Margaret Conditt (R-Liberty Township), would prohibit state and federal funds from funding any entity that performs elective abortions. Lauded by its sponsors as a way to address “infant mortality,” the bill dictates that state funds cannot be used to perform an abortion, which is already state law.

Rep. Johnson issued the following statement today in response to HB 294:

“This legislation is a purely political maneuver that will further restrict access to necessary healthcare for Ohio’s women, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged and already struggling to meet their basic health needs.

“The majority has discovered that they cannot win this battle in court, so they are irresponsibly using their legislative authority to target non-profit women’s healthcare providers. Although abortions are only three percent of the services provided by Planned Parenthood, this bill would eliminate state and local funding for all Planned Parenthood healthcare services.

“Because state law already prohibits state and local funds from being used for elective abortions, this bill will primarily impact other important health services, such as cancer screenings, contraception, and other essential prevention and treatment services for women. It is unacceptable that political motivation has been granted priority over the access to affordable healthcare for Ohio’s women.”