In more reproductive rights news, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law the draconian so-called fetal heartbeat bill, which bans abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected—something that typically happens just six weeks into a pregnancy and before many women realize they’re pregnant. The bill does not include exceptions for cases of rape or incest. A similar law is set to take effect in Mississippi in July, while judges have for now blocked fetal heartbeat bills from going into effect in Kentucky and Iowa. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is expected to sign his state’s abortion ban in the coming weeks. The ACLU said it would challenge Ohio’s new law in court. The nonprofit Guttmacher Institute warns that various types of legislation to ban abortion are currently being considered in 28 states.
Ohio Governor Signs “Fetal Heartbeat” Bill into Law
HeadlineApr 15, 2019