A last-minute legislation named the “heartbeat bill” passed in Ohio that would make abortions illegal as soon as a fetal heart rate is heard. A fetal heart rate can be detected at around six weeks of pregnancy, which is before some women even know they are pregnant. Ohio has been attempting to pass this bill since 2011 and has not yet succeeded. If passed, Doctors will face up to a year in prison for performing the abortion when there is a fetal heart rate, or if the abortion is performed without a fetal heart rate being assessed. The “heartbeat bill” makes no exceptions for women who have been raped, which is causing a controversy with women activist. In the case of Roe Vs Wade in 1973, abortions were prohibited if the fetus was viable, which is about 22 to 24 weeks into pregnancy. However, the Supreme Court refused to review a similar bill in Arkansas earlier this year.

President-elect Donald Trump is against abortions and is likely to appointment conservatives to the Supreme Court who shares the same beliefs as him. Because of this, republicans feel they should pass the bill. As of now, the bill awaits approval by Governor John Kaslch.

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