COLUMBUS — Lawmakers in the Ohio House have continued a lame-duck session by approving a so-called anti-abortion “heartbeat bill.”
The stringent proposal would ban abortions in Ohio after the first fetal heartbeat is detected, as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
The GOP-controlled House voted 58-35 Thursday in favor of the legislation, which now goes to the Senate.
Republican Gov. John Kasich vetoed a similar bill in December 2016, siding with opponents who contend it is unconstitutional but some Republicans believe they have the votes to override a veto this time.
“I feel extremely optimistic about our ability to extend our protection to unborn children with beating hearts. We have a stronger than ever majority behind babies’ beating hearts,” said Rep. Christina Hagan (R-Marlboro Township).
Similar restrictions in Arkansas, North Dakota and Iowa have already been struck down by federal courts.
“Making healthcare decisions for women and their families is not the role of government. But time and again, extremist policies restricting the rights of women to make their own healthcare decisions have been tried and ruled unconstitutional—all at taxpayer expense,” said House Democratic Whip Emilia Sykes (D-Akron).
Physicians who induce or perform an abortion after a fetal heartbeat has been detected would be subject to a fifth-degree felony.
Exceptions exist in the bill to protect the life and safety of the mother and other emergency situations but it does not include exceptions for rape or incest.
The bill also creates the Joint Legislative Committee on Adoption Promotion and Support, which will be dedicated to promoting adoption, as well as informing expecting mothers and families about available options for adoption.