Pro-life measures move forward in Mississippi, Ohio, and Missouri

by Ben Johnson

WASHINGTON, D.C.,  April 18, 2012, (LifeSiteNews.com) – Although the media portray the nation as fervently devoted to abortion, the pro-life cause is marching forward in a number of states around the country.

Governor Phil Bryant

Mississippi
On Monday, Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a bill requiring abortionists to be certified OB-GYNs with admitting privileges to local hospitals. Critics contend this could close the state’s one abortion clinic in Jackson. “Today you see the first step in a movement, I believe, to do what we campaigned on – to say we’re going to try to end abortion in Mississippi,” the governor said. He gave one of the pens he used to sign the bill to Terri Herring, national director of Pro Life America Network. Mississippi is the ninth state to require abortionists have admitting privileges.

Ohio
On Tuesday, Ohio lawmakers introduced a new measure to restrict state funding to Planned Parenthood. An amendment to the pending annual budget would state the abortion provider ranks near the bottom of organizations to receive state family planning grants. Planned Parenthood currently receives $1.7 million a year in state funds. Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life, strongly supports the amendment. Republican Governor John Kasich has not yet indicated his position. Critics are already warning the move could lead to lawsuits and cost the Buckeye State $9.8 million in federal funds. Hearings continue Thursday.

Missouri
The Missouri House passed a bill on Monday to require physical exams performed before prescribing the abortion pill be performed by a medical doctor, rather than other staff. The bill both chips away at the practice of “telemed” abortions and advances women’s safety. Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Michelle Trupiano called the bill “extremely onerous.” In addition to several American women, RU-486 killed an Australian woman in 2010 and a Portuguese teen in 2011.