Longtime abortion foe backs Ohio 'heartbeat' bill

COLUMBUS (AP) — A pioneer of the modern anti-abortion movement says he believes there’s been an increase in opposition to abortion so it’s the right time to push for an Ohio ban on abortions after the first detectable heartbeat.

Cincinnati physician Jack Willke, a former president of the National Right to Life Committee, testified today before an Ohio House committee considering the “heartbeat bill.”

If passed, it would outlaw abortions earlier in pregnancy than laws in effect today. It could affect pregnancies at the six-week mark.

Willke says the bill is a step toward protecting more unborn children, even if it’s rejected or the law is overturned.

Lawmakers also heard from Melissa Ohden, who said her mother attempted to abort her during pregnancy in 1977. Ohden urged lawmakers to support the bill.