Issues@Hand

AFA initiatives, Christian activism, news briefs

March 2019 – Two important pieces of pro-life legislation passed both houses of Ohio’s legislature in December. But one was vetoed by then Governor John Kasich (R).

By a landslide vote, state legislators passed SB 145, a bill banning dilation and evacuation procedures – dismemberment abortions. Kasich signed that bill into law on December 21.

In 2017 alone, approximately 3,500 babies were killed through dismemberment abortions in Ohio.

“Essentially, the abortionist dilates the woman’s cervix and then rips the baby limb from limb using sterile instruments,” explained Jamieson Gordon of Ohio Right to Life.

Conversely, after both houses of the legislature passed HB 258, known as the “Heartbeat Bill,” Gov. Kasich vetoed it before his term ended in January. While the House successfully voted to override his veto, the Senate failed by one vote.

Janet Porter of Faith2Action said pro-lifers will work with Gov. Mike DeWine (R) who has stated that if HB 258 passes again, he will sign the bill banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected – usually after six weeks of pregnancy (four weeks gestation).

“[W]e believe that is a very strong line to draw for the first evidences of life,” said Barry Sheets, spokesperson for Right to Life Coalition of Ohio.

lifenews.com, 12/12/18; onenewsnow.com, 12/18/18, 12/27/18