Supporters testify on Ohio 'heartbeat' bill

COLUMBUS (AP) — Lawmakers reviewing an Ohio bill to outlaw abortions after the first medically detectable heartbeat are hearing more testimony from bill supporters as opponents announce new efforts to support abortion rights.

The anti-abortion group Faith2Action says women from Cleveland, Dayton and Howard were among those testifying today in support of the bill during a meeting of the House Health Committee.

Meanwhile, bill opponent and Democratic state Rep. Nickie Antonio of Lakewood announced she’s joining the new “Voices for Reproductive Choices” campaign launched by the National Council of Jewish Women.

NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio has a new ad airing on WNIR radio in the Akron area. It criticizes GOP state Rep. Kristina Roegner of Hudson, who has helped sponsor several of the abortion-related bills being considered in the Legislature.