Ohio legislature passes abortion ‘heartbeat bill’ News
Ohio legislature passes abortion ‘heartbeat bill’

The Ohio General Assembly voted 18-13 Wednesday to pass a bill that bans abortions after the fetus has “a detectable fetal heartbeat,” which usually occurs during the sixth week of pregnancy. 

The bill has an exemption to save the mother’s life, but no exemption for rape and incest.

Senator Kristina Roegner introduced the bill into the Senate in February, which was then approved in March. The House passed an amended version on Wednesday, and the Senate quickly approved the amendments.

The bill will have to be sent to Governor Mike DeWine, who said he will sign the bill.

Roegner said, “All children, born and unborn, deserve our respect and our protection throughout every stage of their life.”

The National Association for the Repeal of Abortion Laws called the bill, “cruel and inhumane.”

Georgia also passed bill last week banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat could be detected. In March Mississippi’s governor signed a heartbeat bill into law. That same month Tennessee’s house approved a heartbeat bill.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Montgomery started racially-integrated bus service after boycott

On December 21, 1956, buses in Montgomery, Alabama, started racially integrated service following federal court rulings ending on-board segregation. Bus boycott leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Rev. Ralph Abernathy were among the first riders under the new scheme. Learn about the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Stalin born

On December 21, 1879, Joseph Stalin was born in Gori, Georgia. In 1922, he became leader of the USSR until his death in 1953. During his time as Soviet dictator, Stalin industrialized his country, which he then led to become one of the world's two superpowers after WWII. Through his infamous purges, show trials and nationwide famines, Stalin also became responsible for millions of deaths.