The Ohio Constitution was amended in November to allow abortion up to birth, so advocates for life in the legislature are looking for ways to protect women and families where a born child would be welcome. State Senator Sandra O'Brien has submitted a bill (Senate Bill 159) that would authorize a tax credit for non-profit resource centers, of which there are more than 175 in the state.
"They're a not-for-profit business, so they don't make money in return for providing a service," O'Brien explains. "They rely fully on the charitable giving by those around them, and the donations that they receive are immediately used to provide better service to women in need."
According to the state lawmaker, that service ranges from diapers to jobs – and in turn, saves the state money. "This care supplements other state programs and offsets the cost of medical services that would otherwise be funded by taxpayers, most likely through increased emergency room and Medicaid usage," says O'Brien.
Businesses and individuals would be able to participate in the tax credits with a cap of $10 million, and none of the money would flow into the coffers of organizations that perform or refer for abortion.
The bill is the first pro-life measure introduced so far this session – and it likely won't be the last.
