Policy Update 12.4.25

Navigating Rapid Changes in Ohio and Beyond… 

As we move through this Advent season and prepare our hearts for Christmas and our minds for the year to come, our team continues to monitor and respond to the developments affecting life issues here in Ohio and across the country. The last few weeks have brought significant updates – some of which are encouraging, and some deeply concerning, which call on us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and united. Here is a bit of a roundup of some of the highlights. 

Sharing Threats at the End of Life 

Several weeks ago, we had an opportunity to meet with the presumptive Republican nominee for Governor, Vivek Ramaswamy, in a round-table discussion of pro-life voices. While the meeting was a good opportunity to hear from him on the life issues related to abortion and natal care opportunities in Ohio, our President – Beth, was also able to engage him on the issues related to end-of-life threats. This not only allowed us to elevate the work we are doing on Faithful at the End of Life, but also to raise concerns about efforts to advance assisted suicide and euthanasia. We were encouraged by Mr. Ramaswamy’s interest in the issue and will be working to further engage his team on this issue.  

Planned Parenthood Announces West Columbus Office Closure 

On Thanksgiving Eve, Planned Parenthood announced that its West Side Columbus location was closing. The decision follows the loss of Medicaid funding after the organization decided to continue performing abortions following the most recent federal budget reconciliation act.  
The news highlights the impact of policy decisions made at both the federal and state levels. Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would mirror these federal restrictions, ensuring that taxpayer money is not directed directly or indirectly to facilities that perform abortions. While the legislative process continues, it is a reminder of how essential it is to remain engaged and to be prayerful for policies that protect unborn children and support life-affirming healthcare.   

“New” Abortion Facility Activity in Worthington 
Several months ago, we shared that Jensen Family Health, a concierge style medical practice located in Lewis Center, had begun offering the abortion pill. The facility has now relocated to Worthington and has announced it is sharing office space with “Just Choice” a “pro-choice pregnancy center” with operations in both Columbus and Cincinnati. 
This development represents a strategic shift in how abortion orgs are positioning themselves within our communities. In response, our team has already begun a plan to ensure that our ministry advocates will be present at the site. Our presence ensures that women entering the building have access to compassionate, life-affirming alternatives who help them to know they are not alone. It is notable that while “Just Choice” attempts to position itself as an abortion-positive pregnancy center, its website notes that the cost of an ultrasound is $150, quickly noting that they can charge less. Real pregnancy help centers don’t charge for their services.  
If you are ready to help us respond – especially if you are a trained team member, we do need some help if we are going to be present. This is also a good time to remind our volunteers that we are looking for a part-time team member to coordinate our sidewalk outreach. If you are interested in learning more, you can do that here. 

Landmark Supreme Court Case for Pregnancy Centers & A Win for APR 

Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a significant case involving how the NJ government is treating pro-life pregnancy centers. At issue is whether the state can impose burdensome regulations that unfairly target their work, restrict their free speech, and pressure them into messaging that contradicts their message.  
This is a pivotal case. Pregnancy centers exist to offer hope, material support, and compassionate accompaniment. New Jersey’s actions could set a precedent enabling states to regulate life-affirming ministries in punitive and unfair ways. The Court’s decision could have national implications for pro-life organizations – including Greater Columbus Right to Life.  
Meanwhile, in a case stemming from nearby New York, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Monday in favor of pregnancy centers, affirming that they may continue to inform their patients about abortion pill reversal. The decision (NIFLA v James) upheld an August district court ruling, which granted a preliminary halt to NY’s prosecution of pregnancy centers.  In 2024, the NY AG sued 11 Heartbeat International affiliated pregnancy centers for engaging in misleading advertising” for talking about abortion pill reversal. ADF attorneys countered that more than 7,000 babies are alive today and that APR procedures show a 64-68 effective rate.  
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Gratitude for You 
Amid all of this, both the promising and the challenging, one truth remains constant: Our work is only possible because of you.  
To our volunteers, supporters, prayer partners, and donors: Thank you. Your generosity allows us to respond quickly when developments such as these (and the many others that don’t make it to our news!) arise. It’s what empowers us to stand present in the public square and keep building a culture that values every human life.  
Together, we can stand together with courage and compassion to build a culture of Life.