COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A near-ban on all abortions has been reintroduced in Ohio for the fourth consecutive legislative session after its last attempt ended in a governor’s veto.
The bill would ban the procedure at the first detectable fetal heartbeat, as early as six weeks into pregnancy.
Supporters of the legislation view the so-called heartbeat bill as an opportunity to draw the legal challenge that could overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized abortion.
Opponents say it’s unconstitutional, a concern raised even by Ohio Right to Life, the state’s largest anti-abortion group.
The bill failed to gain traction twice before. It reached Republican Gov. John Kasich’s (KAY’-siks) desk on its third try and was vetoed.
Kasich’s office on Thursday declined to comment on pending legislation.
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