Civic Register
| 11.16.18
Do More States Need to Pass ‘Fetal Heartbeat’ Anti-Abortion Bills?
Vote to see how others feel about this issue
What’s the story?
- For the second time, the Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill outlawing abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected. That could come within the first six weeks of pregnancy.
- The “Heartbeat Bill” does not provide exceptions for rape or incest. Doctors who violate the measure could face felony charges and up to a year in prison.
What are both sides saying?
- GOP Rep. Ron Hood, the bill’s primary sponsor, said the measure would stop “babies” from being “slaughtered before they’re even born.” He added that he hoped the proposed law could help the Supreme Court reconsider when a fetus is viable because of medical advancements.
- The same bill was passed in 2016 and vetoed by Republican Governor John Kasich. But Rep. Christina Hagan, another bill sponsor, said a lot has changed since then.
"I campaigned on behalf of President Trump and part of that reason was to ensure that we had a constitution-respecting Supreme Court when appointments became available. That is now the case. And we have more favor and opportunity than ever for that extension of protection to be given to children in the womb."
- Democratic Rep. Nickie J. Antonio expressed concerns over the legislation’s extremely short period for a legal abortion and that it makes no exceptions for victims of rape or incest.
- “It’s often the case that a woman doesn’t even know she’s pregnant until after six weeks,” said Antonio. “This is especially true for women who are emotionally traumatized by rape.”
- Rep. Brigid Kelly, a Democrat representing Hyde Park, said that if Ohio lawmakers really want to help women, they should focus on increasing access to health care and ensuring people are paid a minimum wage.
"Those are the real policies that help women and families in our state," Kelly said.
- The bill now heads to the Ohio Senate, where Republican President Larry Obhof said he has the votes to pass it.
What do you think?
Do you support the “Heartbeat Bill”? Do you hope it reaches the Supreme Court? Take action above, then share your thoughts below.
—Josh Herman
(Photo Credit: iStockphoto.com / Ihor Kashurin)
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