From the Sidewalk to the Statehouse to the Senate: Cincinnati Right to Life’s Relentless Fight to End Abortion
We are approaching the third anniversary of the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade, the tragic ruling that stood for 50 years and sanctioned the loss of nearly 70 million precious American preborn lives while causing an unthinkable wound to our nation and all humanity.
Just this past week, our efforts proclaiming the gift of life stretched across the front lines of the pro-life movement. From praying and counseling on the sidewalk outside Planned Parenthood, to advocating boldly at the Ohio Statehouse, to taking our message to the halls of the U.S. Senate in Washington D.C.—we stood for LIFE, and saw encouraging progress.
The Sidewalk
Our faithful supporters know that Cincinnati Right to Life has established a full-time sidewalk ministry, led by a devoted team of pro-life warriors who stand in the gap for vulnerable mothers and their unborn children every single day.
On Auburn Avenue, powerful and grace-filled conversations are taking place. There, in moments of vulnerability, courageous women are hearing the truth about life and choosing to protect their preborn children.
In recent weeks, the number of “turn-aways”—mothers who choose life and walk away from abortion—has been truly remarkable. Each confirmed decision for life has brought tears of joy and deep hope to the hearts of our generous volunteers. We thank each and every dedicated Sidewalk Advocate as they rescue one baby at a time.
The Ohio Statehouse
For over twelve years, Cincinnati Right to Life has been steadfastly advocating for an informed consent for abortion law in Ohio—because every woman deserves to know the full truth before making a life-altering decision.
In collaboration with other pro-life partners and organizations, including Dayton Right to Life, CRTL has worked on legislation ensuring women receive clear, accurate, and compassionate information about abortion and its lasting impact. Former Executive Directors Paula Westwood and Meg DeBlase devoted countless hours to this mission, driven by a deep commitment to protecting both mothers and their unborn children.
Attorney Brian Hurley has also remained a strong advocate, drawing from his firsthand experience representing women harmed by the abortion industry—particularly Planned Parenthood. His dedication to this legislation is rooted in justice and compassion for women who have been misled and hurt.
As abortion is now tragically enshrined in Ohio’s Constitution, Cincinnati Right to Life thanks State Representatives Mike Odioso (R-Green Twp.) and Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) for introducing the “She Wins” Act, (Share the Health and Empower With Informed Notices) legislation that acknowledges abortion as currently legal under the Ohio Constitution but requires the procedure to meet the same informed consent standards applied to all medical care.
The provisions outlined in the bill provide important and updated guidance for physicians to follow when a pregnant woman takes steps to seek an abortion, ensuring they have the right to all necessary information before a final decision is made.
The bill requires that a patient’s informed consent be secured a minimum of 24 hours before an abortion is performed or inducted, aligning the procedure with the standard of care set by the medical profession for other procedures. The goal is to ensure that women are fully informed of the physical and psychological risks associated with having an abortion.
The bill also introduces a legal pathway for women to seek recourse if they are denied the information necessary to make a fully informed choice by creating a cause of action against those who fail to meet this standard of care. Additionally, the legislation requires the full disclosure of risks, including those recognized by the broader medical establishment, and grants the State Medical Board the authority to expand these disclosures as science and as procedures evolve. Thank you Rep. Odioso and Rep. Williams.
The United States Senate and Congress
Last week, Cincinnati Right to Life and Kentucky Right to Life were able to partner in securing last-minute Washington DC meetings with Kentucky and Ohio federal lawmakers. On the day of lobbying for the defunding of big abortion (Planned Parenthood) through the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, time was spent with Congressmen Thomas Massie (KY) and Warren Davidson (OH). Massie and Davidson were the two Republican congressional representatives that voted NO when the OBBB passed out of The House to The Senate by a vote of 215-214 on May 22.
Both were generous with their schedules, each pro-life congressman individually allowing for just under an hour of conversation in their Rayburn Building offices.
While in the Congressional Rayburn Building meetings with staff from the offices of Rep. Jim Jordan (OH), and Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY), also took place, advocating for the One Big Beautiiful Bill.
All congressional representatives were educated on the increase in abortion at the Cincinnati Planned Parenthood, where the majority of out-of-state vehicles are from Kentucky. While all of Ohio is seeing an increase in abortion, it is particularily horrible in Southwest Ohio. This was shared to the friendly congressmen who listened and received the news with great concern.
During the scheduled meetings with Kentucky Senators McConnell and Paul as well as Ohio Senator Moreno, KRTL and CRTL advocated strongly to stop the nearly $2 million a day that is given to Planned Parenthood, providing the killing business with nearly one third of their overall budget through our tax dollars. Killing nearly 400,000 preborn babies annually, Planned Parenthood is sounding alarms on having to potentially close many of their killing facilities if the funding dries up.
This is a rare, rare opportunity to defund big abortion in America and prolifers are counting on life-friendly lawmakers to stand with the prolife community as a loud, strong voice for the preborn and their mothers. In a recent National Review article, Kristen Hawkins shared: Access to reconciliation during a budget process is a rare gift. Because Republicans hold the White House, Senate, and House, it’s theirs for the taking. It was purchased with scarce resources and countless manhours as voters labored to elect new leadership. It’s time for Republican politicians to pay them back.
Please join CRTL in advocating for the preborn by contacting Congressmen and Senators in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Information to connect is HERE
Of the many things learned during the lobbying meetings–phone calls and emails from constituents are counted and important. Lawmakers need to hear from prolifers!
Cincinnati Right to Life prayerfully asks you to join us in being a voice for the voiceless by connecting to our federal lawmakers ASAP!