Ohio Anti-Abortion Group Lays Out Legislative Agenda

With strong Republican legislative majorities, abortion foes in Ohio have set their sights on an aggressive agenda for the new session. Ohio Right to Life said Tuesday it will pursue legislation to ban all abortions of "pain-capable" fetuses or on the basis of a Down syndrome diagnosis, and to fully defund women's health care and abortion provider Planned Parenthood. The group also seeks so-called trigger legislation that would prohibit abortions in Ohio, except those necessary to save the mother's life, in the event the U.S. Supreme Court overturns its landmark Roe v. Wade decision. A spokesman for NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio said the proposals are unconstitutional and jeopardize women's health. Other target bills would require use of federal protocols for use of abortion-inducing drugs and funnel money to crisis pregnancy centers.