Pro-lifers in Ohio are celebrating having a “real” pro-life representative in the governor’s mansion after Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, signed a so-called “heartbeat bill” into law on Thursday — legislation that was twice vetoed by allegedly pro-life former Governor John Kasich.
“The signing of this bill today is consistent with that respect for life and the imperative to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” DeWine said before signing the bill, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
The legislation protects unborn babies with beating hearts, which can be detectable at around six weeks gestation, from the fatal procedure of abortion.
The bill, which includes an exception for the life of the mother, was introduced to the House on Tuesday and signed by the governor by 3:30 p.m. local time on Thursday.
A handful of states have passed heartbeat protections for the unborn, such as Mississippi and Kentucky. Republican Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia, who’s been threatened by Hollywood actors with a boycott, currently has such legislation awaiting his signature.
“Pro-life Ohio thanks Governor DeWine for taking a courageous stand on behalf of unborn children with beating hearts,” praised Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis.
Janet Porter, pro-life advocate and the “architect” of the Ohio “heartbeat” bills, was overjoyed by the prospect of Gov. DeWine signing the legislation. During an interview soon after the bill passed the state House and Senate, Porter praised DeWine and took a swipe at Kasich: “We’ve been talking about how we were gonna end abortion. Today, it happened,” she said, adding,“We finally have a pro-life governor. And it’s just a great day here in Ohio.”
Kasich, who signed a 20-week abortion ban during his tenure in office, claimed he couldn’t sign the bill over concerns “about the legal bill taxpayers would foot,” according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
“Today is a historic day,” said Created Equal President Mark Harrington in a statement sent to The Daily Wire. “The legislature and Governor DeWine have declared that no longer should the beating hearts of humans too young to be born be violently torn apart by abortion.”
“If pro-abortion lobbies present a legal challenge to this Act, we will defend these babies all the way up to the Supreme Court. Changes on the bench signify an even better day for preborn babies may be on the horizon,” he added.
Such challenges have already rolled in. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has already promised a lawsuit.
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