Budget Amendment Assures Ohio’s Access to Abstinence Education Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Mike Gonidakis
DATE: Friday, April 29, 2011 PHONE:(614) 547-0099 ext. 301

(COLUMBUS, OH) – The Ohio Right to Life Society commends yesterday’s budget amendment that requires the Ohio Department of Health to apply for federal abstinence education grants. Ohio’s Abstinence Law requires that all schools teach abstinence education, but the measure in the House budget bill assures that Ohio will again have access to federal funds specifically granted to Ohio for this purpose.

“Abstinence education taught by our pro-life educators reduces teen pregnancy. These efforts have resulted in a decrease in teen abortions in Ohio, having a dramatic impact,” said Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director for Ohio Right to Life.

“I am pleased that the Ohio House budget bill once again places a priority on abstinence education,” said Valerie Huber, Executive Director for the National Abstinence Education Association. “Passage of this measure assures that students in Ohio will again receive the benefits of this important risk avoidance message. We appreciate Ohio Right to Life’s support for this measure that returns a state priority on abstinence education in Ohio,” said Huber.

The Ohio Right to Life Society will continue to advocate for additional pro-life measures to be passed by the Ohio House of Representatives to include the Late-Term Abortion Ban (HB 78/SB 72) and the Opt-Out of Abortion Coverage in Obamacare (HB 79). Ohio Right to Life encourages all pro-life Ohioans to contact their state representatives and urge them to pass these life-saving measures.

Click HERE to find your legislators in Ohio.