Alex Jackson · June 3, 2019

House committee to vote on bringing anti-abortion education to Ohio classrooms

The House Health Committee has scheduled a vote on House Bill 90 for Tuesday, June 4. The bill, introduced by Rep. Niraj Antani (R-Miamisburg), would require Ohio public schools to teach students about the “anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child” that pertains to each week of gestation. While pushing the message to students that “abortion is killing a living human being,” any education regarding human sexuality would be prohibited. This misleading informational attack on reproductive choice will be aimed at students of various levels. This curriculum would be taught in 3rd through 8th grade science classes and in high school health classes.

• Mandates the state Dept. of Health to implement curriculum in Ohio public schools regarding the “anatomical and physiological characteristics of the unborn child” that pertain to each week of gestation to be taught in 3rd through 8th grade science classes, 9th through 12th health classes
• Prohibits the curriculum from including any “component of human sexuality education”
• Directs Dept of Health to create and maintain a pregnancy and child services database to provide women a comprehensive list of public and private adoption agencies
• Dept of Health to include the following statement on its website and all public restrooms: “There are many public and private agencies willing and able to help you carry your child to term and assist you and your child after your child is born, whether you choose to keep your child or place your child for adoption. If you are pregnant, the State of Ohio strongly urges you to contact an agency listed on the Department of Health’s pregnancy and child services database.”

If passed by the committee, the proposal could come before the full House of Representatives as early as this week. To share your views about this new mandatory education curriculum, contact your State Representative. Update (6/5/19): The committee did not hold a vote on HB90 on June 4. Opponent testimony from the ACLU of Ohio, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio and others, which can be located on the committee website under “June 4”. The bill could be brought up for a final hearing and vote at any time. Follow @innovationohio on Twitter or subscribe to our legislative alerts newsletter for the latest. 

More on House Bill 90:

Ohio House: Legislation Text and Status Legislative Services Commission: Synopsis of Changes in Substitute HB6 vs. Original Version Columbus Dispatch: Critics say bill would push ‘harmful’ anti-abortion beliefs onto Ohio school children