Ohio House approves harsh ‘heartbeat bill’

The Ohio House passed one of the nation’s most restrictive abortion limits today in a 54 to 43 vote. #

A direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the bill outlaws an abortion starting at the “first detectable heartbeat.” Wade upholds a woman’s right to an abortion “until fetal viability,” which is between 22 to 24 weeks. Fetal heartbeats can be found at six weeks. #

The bill also does not provide an exception for rape, incest, or the mental health of a woman. #

Supporters of this outright unconstitutional bill have previously said they hope to challenge Roe v. Wade. Even some anti-abortion rights groups have questioned the wisdom of an outright challenge to the ruling. #

It was previously uncertain whether this bill would even pass in the House. The bill made it out of committee by just one vote. #