Ohio to Fund Pro-Life Pregnancy Centers Instead of Planned Parenthood

A Midwest state that previously stripped funding from Planned Parenthood out of its annual budget is now set to increase funding for pro-life crisis pregnancy centers.

Ohio’s state Senate passed a bill last week that includes $5 million for crisis pregnancy centers – a $4 million increase from previous budgets, according to Cleveland.com.

Earlier this year, a federal appeals court upheld an Ohio law that stripped most funding from Planned Parenthood. The organization received about $1.5 million in annual state funds.

“This is the first budget opportunity we’ve had since then to invest additional funds into crisis pregnancy centers,” said Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof, a Republican, during an interview on Tony Perkins’ Washington Watch radio program.   

Republicans control both chambers. Ohio’s governor, Mike DeWine, is a Republican. 

Crisis pregnancy centers, Obhof said, provide women ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, prenatal care, parenting classes, counseling, diapers and clothes, and other financial aid. 

Ohio has around 200 crisis pregnancy centers that serve low-income women “who need help,” Obhof said. The centers don’t perform abortions. 

“They’re providing pretty valuable services to women in need, and that’s true for rural communities, suburban and urban alike,” he said.

Although the $5 million funding for…