An Ohio House committee has received a of the so-called Heartbeat Bill, an abortion ban that could happen as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. And it is raising questions by at least one lawmaker on that committee.
Democratic Representative Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland) says the newer substitute version of the Heartbeat Bill changes the language to protect the health of the fetus over the health of the woman.
鈥淭he state is basically saying we are going to require all pregnant women to carry their pregnancy to term, no matter what," Boyd says.
The Ohio Senate passed the "Heartbeat Bill" in March. That version had exemptions for the health of the mother. Boyd says this new version changed language from "protecting the health of the woman" to "protecting the life of an unborn human."
"I mean, this is insane," Boyd says.
She notes Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder said he wanted committees to slow legislation down and vet it well. She's asking the committee chair, Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) put together a workgroup to examine all aspects of the legislation, including its effect on business development in Ohio.
