COLUMBUS – A bill that would clear the way for what would be one of the nation’s most stringent abortion restrictions is on its way to the governor, thanks to last-minute approval by Ohio lawmakers preparing to head home for the rest of the year.
Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled state House voted Tuesday night to approve the so-called “heartbeat bill.” It passed in the Senate earlier in the day.
The legislation would prohibit most abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy after the first detectable heartbeat.
The language from the bill was included in a measure revising Ohio’s child abuse and neglect reporting law, which was approved before the General Assembly adjourns for the year on Thursday.
“The language included in both House Bill 493 and House Bill 69 serve one ultimate goal, to protect our most vulnerable population, our children and the unborn,” said Rep. Tim Ginter (R-Salem), who spoke on the floor in support of the amendments.
Similar measures elsewhere have faced legal challenges, and detractors in Ohio fear such legislation will lead to a costly fight in the courts. Opponents predict it will be found unconstitutional if it becomes law.
“I am extremely disappointed that the Ohio General Assembly thinks it can intervene in a woman’s constitutionally protected right to have an abortion. These private decisions need to remain between a woman and her doctor,” said Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus).
Some have also questioned the constitutionality of a bill that would restrict abortions in Ohio after 20 weeks of pregnancy, a measure that could also be approved before the legislature adjourns.
“Bans such as these only hurt women and their families and waste taxpayer dollars by defending laws that federal courts have routinely declared unconstitutional. Governor Kasich should veto any bill that infringes upon reproductive freedom,” Mike Brickner, senior policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, said.
Republican Gov. John Kasich, an abortion opponent, has previously voiced concerns about whether such a move is constitutional.
The bill also permits multiple medical providers to submit a single report in the instance of suspected child abuse or neglect.