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Ohio Gov. John Kasich is making his mark among anti-abortion voters after signing legislation that will remove tax dollars from abortion procedures.

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, Ohio Kasich signed House Bill 79 into law, a bill that excludes coverage for abortions via the federally mandated “state exchange” under the Patient Protection and Affordability Act.

The yet-to-be-created “state exchange” allows for taxpayers and businesses to compare policies, premiums and buy insurance.
The federal health care law known as “Obamacare” provides room for states to opt out of paying for abortions to protect the conscious rights of state taxpayers.

Though this provision is clearly given in the federal law, questions are being raised in Ohio as to whether or not the bill violates the Ohio Constitution.

Article I, Section 21 (B) of the Ohio Constitution states, “No federal, state, or local law or rule shall prohibit the purchase or sale of health care or health insurance,” but Mike Gonidakis, Executive Director for Ohio Right to Life, feels H.B. 79 is not violating this article because according to him, abortions are not considered health care.

“While we can all agree that people should have access to healthcare, we reject the notion that abortion is healthcare because the only measure of ‘success’ of an abortion procedure is the death of an innocent child,” said Gonidakis on ohiolife.org.

This pro-life legislature creates concern among abortion-right-advocating Ohioans because it prevents abortions from being covered under the State Exchange even if patients pay the premiums out of their own pocket.

“Politicians should never be allowed to limit the kinds of insurance benefits that women are allowed to purchase with their own money,” said Kellie Copeland, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio.

“All women deserve the same peace of mind that they can obtain the health care they need, regardless of where their insurance comes from,” said Copeland on prochoiceohio.org.

The ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) of Ohio plans to challenge H.B. 79 in court to voice concerns for those who cannot afford private health care from surrendering their access to these procedures. On the other hand, many pro-life Ohioans feel they shouldn’t be forced to pay for something they believe is morally wrong.

“We believe that every individual from the moment of conception has a natural right to life,” said David Weber, vice president of UC Students for Life. “To force taxpayers against their will to provide this service is unjust and contradicts our Constitution.”