MANSFIELD, Ohio — Area pastors sent a proposal to the Richland County Commissioners last week that proposed support for defunding Planned Parenthhood at both the state and federal levels of government.
What the pastors asked for was the opportunity to read a draft resolution (see pdf at left) at the Sept. 24 board of commissioners’ meeting. The presentation was not, however, included in the commissioners’ agenda because the proposed action was not consistent the commissioners’ “direct management” of the county.
Commissioners’ Clerk Stacey Crall responded to the pastors’ representative after speaking to each of the three commissioners regarding the funding of Planned Parenthood. Her response said, “With the commissioners’ new rules since the issue does not pertain to their direct management an appointment will not be scheduled. If any of the commissioners decide to send an individual letter to Legislators regarding the subject we will ensure you receive a copy.”
Rev. El Akuchie of the Richland Community Prayer Network sent the following response to the media, “We believe that the old axiom rings true today that ‘evil prevails when good people remain silent.’ It is our conviction that society is looking for strong leadership and that saving and preserving life should be the business of evey human being. Make no mistake, protecting and preserving life is our business, and the local Body of Christ has volunteered to not remain silent in protecting the next generation….even when it is not politically expedient.”
Planned Parenthood funding has been criticized in recent months including at a pro-life rally held in Mansfield. In the Ohio legislature Senate Bill 214 and House Bill 294 were recently introduced to propose restriction of state and some federal dollars from going to Planned Parenthood.
In a recent article Stephanie Kight, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio as well as the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, stated, “What you need your legislatures to be focusing on is how to get more health care providers,” Kight said. “So rather than attacking Planned Parenthood and trying to eliminate us as a provider of choice and our programs, they should be figuring out how they can provide more care.”
