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The Latest: Governor Kasich Signs Planned Parenthood Defunding Bill
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Planned Parenthood is criticizing Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s decision to sign a bill into law cutting off state funding for the agency.
Kasich signed legislation to strip government money from Planned Parenthood in Ohio on Sunday.
The move from the Republican presidential candidate was expected, but he made it official Sunday. It comes a day after Kasich’s weak performance in South Carolina’s GOP presidential primary and a day before he heads to Virginia to campaign.
The bill targets roughly $1.3 million in funding that Planned Parenthood receives through Ohio’s health department. The money, which is mostly federal, supports initiatives for HIV testing, breast and cervical cancer screenings, and prevention of violence against women. The legislation prohibits such funds from going to entities that perform or promote abortions.
While the measure does not specifically name Planned Parenthood, that’s who backers say would be most affected.
Amelia Hayes, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, says the legislation will harm the lives of women, men and families across the state.
Hayes says the loss of funding cuts an agency program aimed at reducing infant mortality at a time Ohio struggles with higher-than-average infant death rates.
President of Planned Parenthood Action Fund Cecile Richards says the action will leave thousands of women without testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases and will hurt anti-domestic violence programs.
Ohio Democratic Party chairman David Pepper said Kasich has aligned himself with Tea Party conservatives over the wishes of most state residents.