NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio Executive Director Kellie Copeland said in a statement the Miamisburg Republican is seeking to “ force the state of Ohio to develop materials to shame pregnant teens, hide information that may answer questions about safe and legal abortion care, and serve as yet another mechanism for fake women’s health centers to use taxpayer dollars to stigmatize and shame pregnant individuals.
“Rep. Antani is attempting to craft educational policy based on his own ideological agenda, instead of allowing schools to provide a scientifically-accurate, unbiased curriculum,” according to Copeland.
“For over ten years, Ohio legislators have introduced bills to require comprehensive sex education in schools. This simple, yet effective, solution is proven to be the best method to help teens and young people make smart decisions and avoid unintended pregnancies,” she stated.
INITIAL REPORT
A bill to require education about the development of unborn children in health curriculum in Ohio schools has been introduced by a local state legislator.
State Rep. Niraj Antani’s bill would require school boards to either adopt the state instructional program established by the Ohio Department of Health or craft instruction materials, according to the 42nd District Ohio House Republican’s office.
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These materials outlined in House Bill 619 will “describe the unborn child in two-week gestational intervals and include information on local prenatal health care,” Antani’s office said in a news release.
Antani is an abortion opponent.
This news organization is seeking comment from Planned Parenthood. The group did not immediately return messages.
“In order to promote an understanding of life, this bill will ensure students know the scientific facts in regard to the development of unborn children,” Antani said in the release. “In the womb, their hearts beat, they feel pain and other human qualities as development progresses. Once students are educated on this, it will hopefully create a culture of life.”
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The Right to Life Action Coalition of Ohio supports the bill, according to Antani’s office.
The 42nd district includes Miamisburg, Miami Twp., West Carrollton, Moraine, Germantown and Washington Twp.
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