Lawmakers in the Ohio Senate and House approved banning abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, clearing the way for what would be one of the nation’s most stringent abortion restrictions.
The so-called “heartbeat bill” approved Tuesday would prohibit most abortions as early as six weeks into pregnancy after the first detectable heartbeat.
Similar measures elsewhere have faced legal challenges, and detractors in Ohio fear such legislation would lead to a costly fight in the courts. Opponents are predicting it will be found unconstitutional if it becomes law....