The Ohio House of Representatives approved three anti-abortion bills Tuesday, despite opposition from Democrats.
The controversial House Bill 125, known as the “Heartbeat Bill,” bans abortions if a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which can be as soon as six weeks into pregnancy. There are no exceptions in the bill for rape or incest.
If the Senate approves the “Heartbeat Bill,” Ohio would have one of the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in the country.
Another bill bans abortions if the fetus can live outside the womb, which can be tested at 20 weeks of pregnancy, excepting only if the mother is in serious danger.
The third bill restricts insurance coverage for abortions. Both bills were supported by Ohio Right to Life. The group questions the constitutionality of the “Heartbeat Bill,” choosing not to endorse it.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states cannot ban abortions until a fetus can live outside the womb, with the Roe v. Wade case in 1973.