Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act Becomes Law
On a day which was disappointing for Pro-Life advocates in Ohio, Governor Kasich brought some cheer when he signed a bill which restricts abortions after the fetal age of twenty weeks, without any limiting exceptions. Even though the Heartbeat Bill was vetoed, Governor Kasich signed this bill, similar to what fifteen other states have signed.
The voting when this bill passed both the house and senate went strictly across party lines with a few exceptions. Rep. Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland) voted for both bills while Rep. Mike Duffey (R-Worthington), Rep. Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City), Rep. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) were the only Republicans to vote against both bills. It is disappointing to see legislators who claim to be “Pro-Life” when they campaign reveal a total lack of support for the issues which they claim to support. Rep. Grossman had the opportunity to leave a legacy for life in her last term. Rep. Kunze had the opportunity to do the same before she moved over to the senate chamber. Rep. Duffey will be serving his final term in the next General Assembly due to term limits. It is interesting that each of these legislators were endorsed by Ohio Right to Life, which may need to vet their support a little more carefully.