In a move stirring debate across Ohio, a bipartisan group of state legislators has introduced a new proposal that seeks to abolish the death penalty while simultaneously prohibiting state funding for abortion services and physician-assisted suicide. The bill, championed by Representatives Jean Schmidt and Adam Mathews, aims to establish a “consistent ethic of life” by eliminating state-sponsored actions that end human life.
“This legislation will prohibit the state funding of death,” Rep. Schmidt stated during a press conference. “It ensures that taxpayer dollars are never used to fund the termination of human life—whether through abortion, assisted suicide, or capital punishment.”
The bill includes a non-severability clause, meaning that if any part of the legislation is struck down, the entire law would be invalidated. This approach has drawn criticism from civil liberties organizations, which argue that the bill conflates unrelated issues and could undermine reproductive rights protected under the state’s constitution.
Supporters of the bill argue that it reflects a comprehensive pro-life stance, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars should not be used in ways that result in the ending of human life.
Critics, however, contend that the bill’s broad scope could have unintended consequences. They warn that the proposed legislation could violate the Ohio Constitution by deliberately undercutting newly established reproductive rights.
The bill is currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. Its future remains uncertain as lawmakers, advocacy groups, and citizens continue to debate the implications of linking these contentious issues into a single legislative package.