FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2011

Contact: Chris Grewe

(614) 466-8086 

COLUMBUS— Today, State Senator Kris Jordan (R - Powell) introduced a bill that would prioritize state grants for family planning services in favor of taxpayer funded health centers and other community health centers that offer comprehensive care.

“The General Assembly has the responsibility to not only appropriate funds, but to prioritize their distribution as well,” said Jordan. “This legislation will ensure that family planning dollars are spent in an efficient and ethical manner that prioritizes comprehensive care.”

The legislation creates four tiers of priority for public funding of family planning services. First priority would be given to eligible public entities, including community health clinics operated by state or local governments. Second priority would be given to federally qualified health centers. Third priority would be given to nonpublic entities that provide comprehensive primary and preventative care services, and fourth priority would be given to nonpublic entities that do not provide comprehensive care and preventative services (such as Planned Parenthood, which is the nation’s largest abortion provider).

The legislation is similar to policies implemented in Texas, Kansas, and Tennessee, and it has the support of both Ohio Right to Life and Faith2Action. The legislation is a companion bill to HB 298, which was introduced earlier this week by Representatives Kristina Roegner (R - Hudson) and Cliff Rosenberger (R - Clarksville).

Jordan represents Ohio’s 19th Senate District, which includes Delaware, Knox, Morrow, Richland, and part of Ashland Counties. Prior to serving in the Senate, he served as a State Representative and as a Delaware County Commissioner. He is a proven advocate for spending restraint, lower taxes, and family values. He lives in Powell with his wife, Melissa.

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“The sanctity of life is fundamental and universal, and I am fully committed to protecting it while serving in the U.S. Senate.”

Ohio Senate votes to protect life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            CONTACT: Rachel Schlater

DATE: Monday, April 18, 2011                         PHONE:(614) 547-0099 ext. 309

(COLUMBUS, OH) - Travis Goettemoeller, a member of Mercer County Right to Life, won the 2011 Ohio Right to Life Oratory Contest held on Saturday at Ohio Dominican University. The contest was hosted by the Ohio Dominican Respect Life student group. Travis, a student at Coldwater High School, will compete at the National Pro-Life Oratory Contest to be held in Jacksonville, Florida this June.

"We are proud of all of the participants in this year's oratory contest," stated Erin Cain, Director of External Affairs at Ohio Right to Life. "These students excelled in their presentations and were knowledgeable on current pro-life issues. We are excited to have Travis represent the state of Ohio at the national competition."

Second place went to Rachel del Guidice of Wayne-Holmes Right to Life and third place to Julie Crookston of Right to Life of Portage County.

The eight eligible high school juniors and seniors, each of whom won their local pro-life oratory contest, wrote an original speech on abortion, embryonic stem cell research, infanticide or euthanasia.

"The dignity and sanctity of human life is at the forefront of public debate," said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life. "Today's teens are tomorrow's public officials and pro-life leaders. We need to do everything we can to encourage them to establish the skills needed to speak out in a positive way."

As the winner of the state competition, Travis and a guest will receive a paid trip to the national contest in Florida from Ohio Right to Life. The winner of the national contest will receive a $1000 scholarship. To see pictures from the event and to read the top three speeches, click here.

"On behalf of the Ohio Right to Life Society Board of Trustees, we thank Dr. Charmaine Yoest and the senior staff at Americans United for Life for investing in Ohio's pro-life future," said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director at Ohio Right to Life. "We look forward to utilizing this strategic relationship to continue to save lives - born and unborn."

This new pro-life legislative alliance marks a historic opportunity for Ohio Right to Life to unite with a national public interest law and policy organization in order to magnify the voice for life.  Today's announcement sends a firm message to Planned Parenthood of ORTL and AUL's determination to make Ohio a pro-life state.

Beginning today, Americans United for Life will advocate with Ohio Right to Life for current pro-life legislation. We strongly encourage all of our members to contact our office and aid in our efforts to support and advance the pro-life legislative agenda.