Pro-Life Senators Stand in the Way of Ending Nearly All Ohio Abortions

The year was 1985. I was working as a store manager at a shopping mall and after years as a party girl, had begun to take my Christian faith seriously. Whenever I did paperwork in the back room, I would listen to 640 WHLO out of Akron, which at that time was a Christian station. As 20-year-old young woman who had been raised in an agnostic, union-Democrat home, I had never—not even once—considered the issue of abortion in a serious way. Of course, like most girls my age, I had been taught in public school health class that abortion was a way to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy, and as such, it carried with it approximately the same moral implications of birth control pills. That is, approximately no moral implications.


That all changed for me when I was confronted with the horrific truth that abortion snuffs out a human life. That an actual baby, created in the image of God, dies in the process. I first heard that message from Dr. Jack Willke, who in 1985 had (if I'm recalling correctly) a weekly radio program that was syndicated and broadcast on WHLO. Dr. Willke didn't have a powerful speaking voice or impressive rhetorical skills, but his message could not be clearer: abortion stopped a beating heart and killed a human being.  Dr. Willke carefully explained both the biblical and the scientific reasons that abortion is a crime against humanity. I was instantly transformed from being agnostic on the abortion issue to being pro-life.  Instantly.

All these years later,  Dr. Willke is still fighting the good fight, trying to save unborn babies. This week, he has taken to the newspapers in Ohio, fighting for the Heartbeat Bill:

"I'm now 87-years-old and thought I would never live to see the end of abortion. I have renewed hope. After 40 years in the wilderness, we are a senate vote away from the Promised Land of  protecting babies whose heartbeat can be heard—more than a school bus full of children each day, tens of thousands of Ohio babies each year. Only one thing stands in the way of the most pro-life bill in America: those who call themselves "pro-life!"

The Heartbeat Bill passed the Ohio House last June. Since then, it has been stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate. Republican senators who ran on pro-life platforms and are now refusing to bring the bill to a vote.

Unfortunately, Ohio Right to Life, a de facto wing of the GOP establishment, has been complicit in blocking this bill (see my previous diary on this topic),  preferring to regulate abortion, saying that the bill would not hold up to a Supreme Court challenge and that there would be a danger of reaffirming Roe v. Wade.

Dr. Willke, an Ohio Right to Life Board member disagrees:

“While I used to believe there was a danger of reaffirming Roe v. Wade by passing such a protective bill, after 38 years of abortion on demand, I no longer believe that would be the result. Whether Roe is affirmed or not, the results are the same: Unborn babies are killed for any reason virtually any time until their birth. We must not wait any longer to protect babies in our state."

The Heartbeat Bill has widespread support both in Ohio and across the nation. The list of supporters includes Congressmen Jim Jordan and Steve Chabot, State Treasurer (and Senate candidate) Josh Mandel, Dr. James Dobson, Janet Folger, Ken Blackwell, Frank Pavone, Rep. Newt Gingrich, Sen. Rick Santorum, Gov. Rick Perry, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Rep. Louis Gohmert, Rep. Steve King, Gov. Mike Huckabee, Jay Sekulow, Tony Perkins, Gary Bauer, Grover Norquist....on and on.  The bill's supporters say it is the most supported bill in America.

The Ohio Senate now has the opportunity to pass historic legislation to make Ohio the state that pushes the first domino that topples the 40 years of reign of terror upon unborn babies in the United States.

The current makeup of the Ohio Senate is 21-12 in favor of the Republicans.

Only 17 votes are needed to pass the most consequential, monumental law related to human life since Roe v. Wade.  Pro-life Republicans are holding up the legislation.

Dr. Willke reminds them:

"Because they told us they would end abortion, we sacrificially wrote checks, tirelessly stuffed envelopes, made calls, knocked on doors, distributed ballot cards, and voted these legislators into office. We didn’t elect them to regulate abortion, but to end it. Ohio Senate Republicans can no longer call themselves “pro- life” while refusing to pass the fully protective Heartbeat Bill!"

Dr. Willke poignantly adds:

 "At 87, I may not have long to live,  but unborn babies with beating hearts have even less time. While the Republican Senate delays bringing this to a vote, babies die. Talk is cheap and abortion regulation is woefully inadequate."

There is also a move by some in the senate to completely neuter the bill by changing it to a mere informed consent law. This would completely cut the "heart" out of the Heartbeat Bill.


Republican senators who are blocking the bill (or trying to neuter it), while claiming to be pro-life, need to be called, emailed and held to account right now. As Dr. Willke said, babies are dying while these senators are strutting around crowing about what a great job they've done at "regulating" abortion.


Now is the time for political courage.


Contact the Ohio senators below and urge them bring the bill to a floor vote immediately. If your senator is not listed, you can find the contact information here.

Senate Pres. Tom Niehaus......614-466-8082     niehaus@ohiosenate.go


Pres. pro tempore Keith Faber........614-466-7584     faber@ohiosenate.gov


Whip Shannon Jones..614-466-9737      jones@ohiosenate.gov


Floor Leader Tom Patton........614-466-8056      patton@ohiosenate.gov


Scott Oelslager...614-466-0626      oelslager@ohiosenate.gov


Peggy Lehner.....614-466-4538       lehner@ohiosenate.gov


Dave Burke........614-466-8049       burke@ohiosenate.gov


Troy Balderson...614-466-8076    balderson@ohiosenate.gov


Kris Jordan........614-466-8086     jordan@ohiosenate.gov

Ohio House Passes "Heartbeat Bill"

After months of dithering, the Republican-controlled Ohio House finally brought the “Heartbeat Bill,” HB 125,  to a vote on the House floor.  Introduced by Rep. Lynn Watchmann (R-Napoleon) and with 48 co-sponsors, House members approved the bill with a 54-43 vote today.   The bill, which could be the most restrictive abortion law in the nation, would ban abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected.  Doctors would be required to perform an ultrasound before an abortion is performed and if a fetal heartbeat is detected (usually around 6-7 weeks of gestation) the physician would be required to cancel the abortion.  The penalty for violating the law could be charged with a fifth degree felony and loss of the right to practice medicine in Ohio (no penalties for the mother).

(E)(1) Except as provided in division (E)(2) or (3) of this section, no person shall knowingly perform an abortion on a pregnant woman with the specific intent of causing or abetting the termination of the life of the unborn human individual that the pregnant woman is carrying and whose fetal heartbeat has been detected according to the requirements of division (C) of this section.

The law does not ban the use of the abortion pill and there is an exception to save the life of the mother or for abortions performed to prevent "substantial and irreversible" impairment of a major bodily function.  In a first for the Ohio legislature (and possibly any legislature), during a House sub-committee meeting in March, two unborn babies “testified.” Two pregnant mothers were given ultrasounds and committee members were able to “see” and hear the fetal heartbeats.

In addition to the heartbeat language, the bill also has a strong affirmation of the personhood of the unborn:

(10) “Unborn human individual” means an individual organism of the species homo sapiens from fertilization until live birth.

The bill faces a steeper challenge in the 23-10 GOP-controlled senate and pro-life governor John Kasich has not said if he will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

Still, this is a significant step.  It has overcome opposition from Ohio Right To Life Executive Director Mike Gonidakis, who has opposed several members of his own board, including Julie Busby and Dr. Jack Willke (founder of National Right to Life), fearing that court challenges to the Heartbeat Bill will overturn other pro-life protections in the state.

If this becomes law in Ohio, court challenges will follow.  Of course, the appellate process could take years and no one can predict what the make up of the Supreme Court will be.  It is a worthwhile effort and a risk worth taking to protect the unborn. Time to go on the offensive.

Thank you to House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Medina) for bringing this bill to the House floor for a vote!


Updated 7/1/11

March 31, 2011

Should plastic grocery bags be banned or taxed?

Bag the Plastic Ban - Nat Brown - National Review Online: 

"Unfortunately, study after study has shown that most of the supposed “benefits” of these bans and taxes [on plastic grocery bags] have a negligible effect on the environment at best, and can actually have unintended consequences that cause greater environmental harm...

...Contrary to the beliefs of many ban proponents, plastic grocery bags are 100 percent recyclable, and according to the EPA, 13 percent of bags and wraps were recycled last year. “Theoretically we can go up to 90 to 100 percent recycled content,” noted Rozenski, “but 60 percent of the bags are reused as bin liners by consumers, so we have an industry goal to get to 25 or 30 percent.” Unfortunately, banning the bags has usually led grocery stores to shut down their plastic-recycling programs, contributing further to the problem that was meant to be solved."...

...In addition to the damaging environmental effects of these bans and taxes, there are often significant negative economic outcomes. Unlike Ireland, which had imported most of its bags from China, the U.S. has vibrant plastic manufacturing, recycling, and secondary industries, all of which would be hurt greatly were bans and taxes to increase...

...Finally, there’s the issue of the reusable bags that are supposedly a green alternative to plastic. Most of those used in the U.S. were manufactured in China, and numerous studies have documented unsafe levels of lead in the bags, far in excess of the allowable limits, a problem that prompted a statement by Sen. Chuck Schumer on the issue. Additionally, studies have found high levels of e. coli bacteria present in many reusable bags unless they are washed after every use, sparking additional concerns over public health."

~~~~~

An activist confronts Bill Ayers on the issue of charter schools:

Activist: I'm just trying to understand what your solutions are because in the same breath you are saying you're anti-government, but then you're also anti-privatization, so I don't know what your solutions are, specifically for the African American community.

Ayers: What we need to do is invest more in public schools. 

[boos from the crowd] 

Activist: But the per-pupil expenditures are higher in the inner cities but we're still not getting the results!

~~~~~

Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan on the SOAR ACT (D.C. Scholarship):

"How bad does it have to get before we allow kids the opportunity to escape and get to a better education? ...Let's have a child-centered system. One where the dollars are strapped to the back of the kid and wherever the mom or the dad of that young boy or girl thinks they're going to get a better education - let the dollars follow the kid. That is a model that is consistent with American principals - one that empowers families, empowers individuals, allows them to have the freedom of choice to do what's best... 

...I learned a long time ago that even though some families make poor choices, in the vast majority of cases, families - parents - make better decisions than bureaucrats and politicians  can ever make."

WELL SAID!!! 

~~~~~

This website has a plethora of charts and graphs created with data from the most recent census.  The following chart shows the decline of the black population in major U.S. cities:

We can't ignore the fact that these cities are in states that also have some of the highest abortion rates per 1000 women:

Illinois: 17/1000

Georgia: 15/1000  (37% minority)

Ohio:  14/1000    (35.5% minority)

Pennsylvania: 15/1000   (38.9% minority)

Texas: 16/1000   (23.2% minority)

(CA and LA not reported)

~~~~~

Also on the abortion front, The Dispatch is reporting that the Heartbeat Bill, which would ban abortion in Ohio after the baby has a detectable heartbeat, is stalled in the Ohio legislature, thanks, in part, to Ohio Right to Life:

Abortion limitation creating cold feet | The Columbus Dispatch: 

"Despite anti-abortion majorities in the House and Senate, a bill to give Ohio the most-restrictive abortion law in the nation has stalled after drawing fire from those on both sides of the debate.

Ohio Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion advocacy group, fears House Bill 125 — to outlaw abortion after a fetal heartbeat can be detected, generally six or seven weeks into a woman’s pregnancy — could backfire.

The organization says the proposed law would be struck down by the federal courts as being too restrictive, opening the door for courts to revisit other abortion restrictions, such as a requirement that women wait 24 hours after their initial clinic visit before having the procedure.

While the principle behind House Bill 125 is good, this is the wrong time ...we need more votes on the (U.S. Supreme) court,” Marshal M. Pitchford, chairman of Ohio Right to Life’s board of trustees, wrote in a letter to local chapters."

House Speaker William Batchelder claimed to be clueless and implied that the bill would meet its end in  committee:

 “You always have to be careful with these bills,” said Batchelder, a lawyer and abortion opponent. “I understand what everybody is saying, but I’m not sure,” Batchelder said, adding, “This one is going to merit some research.”

He said the bill — which has 50 sponsors and enough votes to pass the 99-member House — is likely to be held in a House committee while GOP leaders sort out the debate."

Freshman Rep Todd McKenney (also a lawyer) thinks the unborn are worth the effort:

"Rep. Todd McKenney, R-New Franklin and a co-sponsor of the bill, said he understands House Bill 125 is likely to be struck down but said “you have to challenge existing law.’’

“I’m not waffling on my support.”

However, he said he will offer an amendment to delay implementation of the law until December 2012. He hopes the move will ensure the anticipated legal challenge will be considered separate from any lawsuit filed against a late-term abortion ban that the House is poised to adopt."

~~~~~

It's Elton John week on American Idol.  I have to confess that I love his music, though I'm not a fan of Elton John himself.  Paul, one of the contestants, sang the classic, Rocket Man.  In honor of that performance, I'd like to share one of my favorite renditions of the song - by none other than.....William Shatner!  You might want to sit down for this, because you may fall on the floor laughing!  

Ohio Right to Life and NARAL team up against Ohio Heartbeat Bill

Why are Ohio Right to Life and its Executive Directer,  Mike Gonidakis, publicly opposing the pro-life Heartbeat Bill?


HB 125, also called the Heartbeat Bill, was sponsored by Rep. Lynn Watchmann (R-Napoleon) and co-sponsored by 49 Ohio House members, enough for passage.  It requires that prior to performing an abortion, the provider must ascertain if there is a fetal heartbeat and inform the mother of the results.  If a fetal heartbeat is detected, an abortion would be illegal.  A doctor performing an abortion on a baby with a detectable heartbeat could be charged with a 5th degree felony. The mother would not be subject to criminal or civil charges.  The text of the bill says:

"Except as provided in division (E)(2) or (3) of this section, no person shall knowingly perform an abortion on a pregnant woman with the specific intent of causing or abetting the termination of the life of the unborn human individual that the pregnant woman is carrying and whose fetal heartbeat has been detected..."

There are exceptions for the life or health of the mother and the bill specifies that it does not apply to contraceptives.  Janet Folger Porter from Faith2Action explained it this way:

"We don't bury people with beating hearts, because the heartbeat is a sign of life. We are just applying that same measurement to this end of life and I believe the court is going to recognize — just like it does with life at the other end of the spectrum — it's going to recognize this line of life early on."

On Wednesday, March 2nd, two in-utero babies had the opportunity to "testify" before the House Health Committee.  Two pregnant mothers were given ultrasounds in the committee room and the lawmakers were able to see and hear the fetal heartbeats.  TV 10 News reports: 

"The heartbeat of a fetus at 15 weeks gestation was easily detected. The heartbeat in a fetus of nine weeks gestation was difficult to detect. The images were broadcast on a screen and a little flashing dot was identified as the beating heart. Aside from seeing the heart beating, committee members could also hear it, Strickler reported.

"Supporters said this is the best way to show people who will be affected by the legislation. "A child is a child at conception," said mother Erin Glockner. "They have a right to live.  Whether a parent wants to keep it for themselves or give it to another family, people want kids, and babies who can't speak for themselves before they're born deserve a chance."

Most pro-life activists are energized and excited by this bold attempt to take a stand against Roe v Wade. Lori Viars, director of Family First PAC, and vice president of Warren County Right to Life, said, 

"There is excitement across the heartland for Ohio's new Heartbeat Bill! It is invigorating our troops who can't wait to take this giant leap toward protecting unborn babies from abortion!"

However, pro-life Ohioans are baffled by statements from Mike Gonidakis,  Executive Director of Ohio Right to Life, which are more in step with NARAL than the pro-life community.  Gonidakis has said, 

"The heartbeat bill will not save any babies' lives because it will not be upheld in court. The court has said there can be no bans on pre-viability abortions."

and

"Unfortunately, the court has ruled that states can place limitations on post-viability abortions, but pre-viability there can be zero restrictions. We certainly don't want the courts to reaffirm Roe with a decision in Ohio."

He also told The Dispatch that,

"We need to focus on laws where we can save lives now. We can pound the table and complain, but we have to work with what we have."

 Dr. Jack Willke, pro-life stalwart, President of International Right to Life, and board member of Ohio Right to Life disagrees:

"While I used to believe there was a danger of reaffirming Roe v. Wade by passing such a protective bill, after 38 years of abortion on demand, I no longer believe that would be the result. Whether Roe is affirmed or not, the results are the same: Unborn babies are killed for any reason virtually any time until their birth. We must not wait any longer to protect babies in our state.

We have seen Ohio lead before when we passed the nation's first partial-birth abortion ban in 1995. While it was struck down by the court initially, Congress and 30 states followed – and while the U.S. Supreme Court said no (to a Nebraska partial-birth abortion ban) in 2000, seven years later they finally upheld the … ban passed by Congress. Ohio can see history repeat and lead the way. I strongly encourage you to lend your leadership and support to the Heartbeat Bill."

So why do Mike Gonidakis and Ohio Right to Life think this is not a battle worth waging? He told the Dispatch that he wants to focus his energies on other bills, including one that would ban late-term abortions, which could save 700 babies a year.  A fine and noble goal.  But according to the Guttenmacher Institute, there were 33,550 abortions in Ohio 2008 alone!  33,000 babies killed in this state! That's equivalent to the loss of human life on 911 happening every single month - month after month, after month.  700 is a start, but we need to think big, to do the hard things.  The appeals process, as Dr. Willke noted above, can take years.  The makeup of the Supreme Court can change in the blink of an eye.  Gonidakis' unwillingness to take on this issue - indeed, his appearance of siding with the opposition - calls into question his leadership at Ohio Right to Life.  

Ohio Right to Life has a long, respectable history in Ohio, with many notable accomplishments. In recent years, they have seemed to put political expediency above principal.  Their endorsement of candidates before the primaries last year smacked of political favoritism rather than a true effort to identify genuine pro-life candidates.  I was told by Gonidakis that their policy is to endorse "the most pro-life candidate they think can win" and money is a part of the formula they use to identify winners.  This policy leads voters to believe (often falsely) that other candidates are less pro-life or perhaps not pro-life at all. It's misleading and perhaps even deceptive. 


Winning is great. We all want to win, especially when babies' lives are on the line. But does it have to be either winning or doing what's right?  Does it have to be either/or? How about both/and?  I'm having a hard time finding a reason to support and trust an organization that appears to put winning above all else and seems more focused on building political power bases than solving the abortion crisis.