Legislation to Strengthen Parental Consent Voted Out With Bipartisan Support
9/27/2011

(COLUMBUS, OH) – The Ohio Senate passed House Bill 63, Ohio Right to Life’s Judicial Bypass legislation,
by a 23 to 9 bipartisan vote this afternoon. This pro-life legislation will protect minors and their unborn
children by closing loopholes and raising the bar to protect parents’ ability to care for their children.

“We thank Senate President Tom Niehaus and the pro-life members of the Senate who continue to
advance life-saving policies,” said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life.
“H.B. 63 strengthens parents’ ability to care for their children and prevents lawyers and others from
taking mom and dad’s place when the child needs them most.”

Current Ohio law states that parental consent is required before a minor can obtain an abortion,
but a loophole exists which allows judges to bypass parental involvement and allow a minor to
obtain an abortion. H.B. 63 puts an end to this “rubber-stamp” judicial approval.

Today’s vote on the Senate floor follows the overwhelming 64 to 33 bipartisan vote of support
it received in the Ohio House earlier this year. After the House concurs with today’s passage
of the legislation, the bill will be sent to pro-life Governor John Kasich to be signed into law.

On behalf of all pro-life Ohioans, we would like to thank Senator President Tom Niehaus
(R – New Richmond), Senator Mark Wagoner (R – Toledo) and all the pro-life senators
for their support and leadership in passing this pro-life legislation.