COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a bill imposing criminal penalties on doctors who fail to give medical care in the rare circumstance when a baby is born alive following an abortion attempt.
The Republican governor signed the measure Dec. 22, the same day it it arrived from the Republican-controlled Legislature.
The bill also requires physicians to report cases of babies born alive after abortion procedures and bars clinics from working with doctors who teach at state-funded hospitals and medical schools.
Abortion-rights advocates argue the bill threatens some of Ohio’s last remaining clinics.
Abortion opponents say the measure ensures the babies’ safety.
DeWine signs measure legalizing sports gambling in Ohio
On the same day, DeWine also signed legislation to legalize sports gambling in Ohio.
His signing of the bill approved by lawmakers earlier this month will allow people to place sports wagers online, at casinos, racinos, and at stand-alone betting kiosks in bars, restaurants and professional sports facilities.
The legislation approved Dec. 10 mandates that sports betting be available by Jan. 1, 2023.
It’s expected to take months for the Casino Control Commission to formulate rules and regulations.
Operators will pay a 10% tax on their net revenue to the state to help fund K-12 education and problem gambling programs.