HB 410: A Critical Step Toward Ending Taxpayer-Funded Abortion in Ohio

Ohio is one step closer to ending the flow of taxpayer dollars to the abortion industry with the introduction of  House Bill 410, sponsored by State Representatives Jean Schmidt and Adam Matthews. This bill targets Medicaid reimbursements to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, which have long benefited from public funds—despite offering services that deeply violate the values of many Ohioans.

Meanwhile, in Washington State, lawmakers are actively working in the opposite direction. Instead of protecting preborn lives, they are doubling down—pushing legislation to ensure state Medicaid funds continue to cover abortionsthrough direct reimbursement. It’s a stark contrast to the momentum in pro-life states like Ohio. The divide is growing clearer: some states are choosing life, while others expand taxpayer-funded abortion on demand.

While federal law prohibits direct taxpayer funding of abortions, Medicaid reimbursements have served as a major financial pipeline for abortion businesses under the guise of “women’s health services.” HB 410 closes that loophole in Ohio. If passed, it would prevent state Medicaid dollars from reimbursing facilities that perform or refer for abortions, effectively cutting off a key revenue stream to these organizations.

This bill arrives at a pivotal time. In July, President Donald Trump signed what many have called a “big, beautiful bill” that officially ended federal Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood. Though the organization quickly filed suit and a judge issued a temporary pause on the implementation, the First Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled that the one-year pause on the defunding order can proceed, putting increased financial pressure on the nation’s largest abortion provider.

And that pressure is mounting. Planned Parenthood received nearly  $800 million in taxpayer funding  last year alone, making it one of the most heavily subsidized private organizations in the country. Despite its claims of serving women’s health, Planned Parenthood remains primarily focused on abortion services, accounting for over 300,000 abortions annually nationwide.

Meanwhile, Ohio is seeing real change. This year alone, two abortion referral facilities in Southwest Ohio have closed their doors, and another one in the Cleveland area followed suit. These closures reflect a growing awareness among Ohioans that real healthcare does not include abortion.

Women seeking genuine, comprehensive care can visit any of  Ohio’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs),  which outnumber abortion facilities significantly and provide a full range of medical services—without taking innocent life.

While our legislators do their part at the Statehouse, pro-life organizations across Ohio are taking action on the ground, circulating a petition to Governor Mike DeWine, urging him to immediately defund Planned Parenthood through executive order. You can find the petition here: ACT NOW. We strongly encourage you to sign it—and share it widely with your family, friends, churches, and community groups. Every signature sends a message that Ohioans want real healthcare, not abortion, funded by our tax dollars.

The time has come to finish the work. HB 410 can be the final nail in the coffin for Planned Parenthood’s taxpayer-funded operations in our state. Every dollar redirected away from abortion providers and toward real healthcare is a victory for life, for women, and for Ohio families.

We urge every pro-life citizen to contact their state representatives and support HB 410. Let your voice be heard: Ohio taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the destruction of preborn children.

Let’s defund Planned Parenthood in Ohio once and for all.

Contact Your Legislator:
Visit  www.ohiohouse.gov  to find your representative and urge them to support HB 410.

Join the Movement:
Stay connected with Cincinnati Right to Life for updates, advocacy opportunities, and local pro-life events.

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