Mansfield Times

The Ohio House Pro-Life Caucus recently convened for its first meeting of the 136th General Assembly in Columbus. State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) was appointed as Chair of the caucus, which consists of 31 state representatives focused on creating policies that support life, empower women, and strengthen families throughout Ohio.

Chairwoman Melanie Miller expressed the caucus's mission: “We are united in our commitment to be a voice for the voiceless and to build policies that affirm the dignity of every human life.” Miller is currently serving her second term in the Ohio House and has ten years of experience as Executive Director of a pregnancy care center. She highlighted her personal experience with women facing unplanned pregnancies and emphasized that the caucus aims to provide compassion, support, and solutions.

The caucus has outlined several goals:

- Protect Life: Advocate for legislation defending unborn life from conception to natural death.

- Help Women: Promote policies offering resources such as healthcare access, mental health services, housing assistance, and emotional support.

- Strengthen Families: Encourage programs supporting family foundations, parental rights, foster care reform, adoption reform, and child welfare.

- Increase Awareness and Education: Equip lawmakers and the public with research on pro-life policies.

- Build Coalitions: Collaborate with faith-based organizations to advance a unified pro-life vision.

- Engage the Next Generation: Support youth leadership development and educational programming.

Additionally, the caucus plans to host events like gatherings before the Ohio March for Life and feature expert guest speakers specializing in maternal health and prenatal care. They will also promote Pregnancy Care Centers across Ohio by fostering partnerships with community organizations.

Members representing districts across Ohio include:

Rep. Mike Odioso (30), Rep. Jack Daniels (32), Rep. Josh Williams (44), Rep. Jennifer Gross (45), Rep. Diane Mullins (47), Rep. Jodi Salvo (51), Rep. Michelle Teska (55), Rep. Adam Mathews (56), Rep. Brian Lorenz (60), Rep. Beth Lear (61), Rep. Jean Schmidt (62), Rep. Adam Bird (63), Chair Melanie Miller (67), among others.

The Ohio House Pro-Life Caucus aims to serve as a compassionate voice within the General Assembly for all life—born or unborn—and strives to promote a culture valuing motherhood while supporting families.