Bill banning abortion at six weeks goes to Ohio governor's desk

Ohio lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. John Kasich for his signature that would ban abortions as soon a fetus's heartbeat was heard.

Ohio lawmakers sent a “heartbeat” abortion bill to Gov. John Kasich for his signature Tuesday night. The bill would ban abortions as soon as the heartbeat of a fetus could be heard, something that usually occurs in the first trimester by the end of six weeks.

Earlier in the day the Ohio House added the "Heartbeat Bill" to another measure intended to improve the process by which medical professionals report child abuse. 

The (State) Senate voted twice: First, they approved 20-11 the decision to tack on the "Heartbeat Bill" language onto House Bill 493. After the amendment passed, the state senators passed the bill with a 21-10 vote that largely went along party lines.

Kasich has said he is pro-life except in instances of rape or incest or when the life of the mother is in danger.

And earlier this year Kasich signed a bill to ban the state from contracting for health services with any organization that performs or promotes abortions -- a measure widely seen as a way to defund Planned Parenthood.

He will have 10 days to veto the measure. If he doesn't take action, the bill would automatically become law.

In response to the lawmakers’s action, the ACLU of Ohio tweeted a reminder to Kasich.

If @JohnKasich signs #HeartbeatBill, we'll sue. #20WeekBan may pass as early as tmrw. Both are unconstitutional & should veto. #StoptheBans

— ACLU of Ohio (@acluohio) December 7, 2016

Arkansas and North Dakota both passed “Heartbeat” abortion laws only to see them struck down by federal courts.

Ohio state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, a Democrat from Boardman, said the bill would lead to "expensive lawsuits" that would divert resources away from more pressing issues like the opioid crisis.

"To the taxpayers of Ohio, I am sorry that your money will have to be used to defend this bill in the court system."