Hyde Came Through Ohio–This Vote Hurts

For nearly half a century, the Hyde Amendment has stood as the single most effective pro-life protection ever enacted by Congress. On the day Congressman Henry Hyde died, National Review Online rightly declared that the Hyde Amendment — which doubtless saved countless lives — was “without question the most important piece of pro-life legislation ever to pass Congress.”

This is not rhetoric. It is reality.

We do not need to guess how many lives Hyde has saved. We know. Independent analyses over the decades have consistently shown that the Hyde Amendment has prevented millions of abortions by prohibiting the use of federal taxpayer dollars to fund abortion. Hyde did not merely slow abortion; it stopped it — decisively, measurably, and permanently — for generations of mothers and their children.

And now, Ohio is directly participating in the erosion of this historic protection.

Hyde, Ohio, and Cincinnati: A Shared Pro-Life Legacy

Cincinnati Right to Life’s own founder, Dr. Jack Willke, widely regarded as the “Godfather of the pro-life movement,” shared a close friendship with Congressman Henry Hyde. Both men were united by unwavering moral clarity and a shared set of principles: they never denied that abortion is the taking of innocent human life, and they firmly believed that no American taxpayer should ever be compelled to fund the slaughter of future generations.

It is fair to say that Hyde came through Ohio — and through Cincinnati — and that is why this betrayal stings especially deeply here. Their partnership and friendship helped shape a movement rooted not in political convenience, but in truth, courage, and an unflinching defense of life.

A Vote with Deadly Consequences

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 230–196 to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years. While the vote may sound procedural, its consequences are anything but.

Seventeen Republicans joined all Democrats to pass the measure over the objections of Speaker Mike Johnson. Among them were Ohio Representatives Max Miller (Bay Village), Dave Joyce (South Russell), and Mike Carey (Columbus). Shame on each one of these Ohio Representatives and the fourteen others!

This vote advances policies that further entangle federal healthcare subsidies with abortion funding — weakening Hyde in practice and accelerating its political abandonment.

Millions Saved — and Millions Now at Risk

The Hyde Amendment has saved millions of children — children who are alive today because their mothers were not handed a government-funded abortion as the “solution” to hardship. Hyde protected vulnerable mothers from a system that too often offers abortion instead of real help, real support, and real hope.

To weaken Hyde is to abandon both mother and child.

Ohio’s leaders should know this. Ohio’s senators should know this. Ohio’s representatives should know this.

A Call to Ohio’s Conscience

Cincinnati Right to Life calls on Ohio’s congressional delegation — especially those who claim to be pro-life — to remember the legacy they are now putting at risk.

Hyde was not an abstraction. Hyde was not a talking point. Hyde was a lifeline.

Ohio once helped lead the nation toward life. Today, that legacy demands defending — not retreating.

Take Action: Contact Ohio’s Senators

We urge all Ohioans to call and email Senator Jon Husted and Senator Bernie Moreno immediately. They must know that Ohio voters will be deeply disturbed and morally outraged by any action that allows taxpayer dollars to fund abortion.

Ohioans should never be forced to subsidize the killing of preborn children in the womb. Our senators must stand firm for life, uphold Hyde’s legacy, and make clear that no federal policy will use Ohio taxpayers’ money to underwrite the destruction of innocent human life.

Cincinnati Right to Life will continue to speak, to advocate, and to hold our elected officials accountable — because the lives of unborn children, and the dignity of their mothers, demand nothing less.

Contact Your U.S. Senators From Ohio

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH)

• Phone (Washington, D.C.): (202) 224-2315
• Phone (Cincinnati Office): (513) 684-1021
• Email Senator Moreno HERE

Senator Jon Husted (R-OH)

• Phone (Washington, D.C.): (202) 224-3353
• Phone (Columbus Office): (614) 369-4925
• Email Senator Husted HERE

Dear Senator [Moreno/Husted],

As your constituent, I am writing with deep concern over reports that the Hyde Amendment may be weakened or bypassed during negotiations over Affordable Care Act subsidy legislation.

Here in Ohio, we see every day the devastating consequences of abortion. The Hyde Amendment has saved millions of lives by ensuring that American taxpayers are not forced to fund abortion. I strongly urge you to stand firm in defense of Hyde and to oppose any policy that would allow federal funds to be used—directly or indirectly—to pay for abortion coverage.

Ohioans should never be compelled to subsidize the taking of innocent human life. Please make clear that you will uphold Hyde’s long-standing protections and defend the sanctity of life.

Thank you for your service and for considering the serious moral concerns of your constituents.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]