Marathon sessions of the House Finance Committee continued yesterday as lawmakers prepared to consider amendments today before pushing the state budget to the House floor Wednesday and then on to the Senate. Conservatives waged a similar battle with Planned Parenthood two years ago during debate about Ohio's last state budget. During debate on the issue four years ago, language was included in the budget bill prohibiting state money from being used to provide abortion services or referrals. Ten Planned Parenthood affiliates are among 47 providers using the funds, which are awarded through competitive bidding. The 47 providers served 134,728 men and women in 1999, she said.
Most patients are poor adults without health insurance.
The facilities also receive federal funding. He said the money will not come from the department's family-planning funds. In other budget testimony yesterday, a Columbus mother urged lawmakers to reconsider planned cuts to funds for poison-control centers. We know that half of all Ohio children will need the help of a poison-control center before they reach the age of 6,'' Lisa Patrick said.