Bishop praises Ohio's pro-life heartbeat law

Bishop Robert Brennan joined with pro-life advocates from across the U.S. in praising the Ohio state legislature and Gov. Mike DeWine after signing on Thursday, April 11 the Human Rights and Heartbeat Protection Act (“Heartbeat Bill”) that would make it illegal to perform an abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

The law is scheduled to go into effect in 90 days, but potential legal challenges are expected to cause a delay.

Bishop Brennan emphasized that respect for life in every stage is part of the Catholic Church’s mission, which includes the outreach of many dedicated volunteers and staff to provide services to the most vulnerable.

“In years past, the debate was ‘When does life begin?’” Bishop Brennan said. “We, as Catholics, have always held that life begins at conception. More and more, science validates that truth. Even with debate, it is reasonable and logical to say that a beating heart of a human indicates life. Our commitment to life is informed by our faith, but it is a human issue, not a religious issue.

“Many states are actually celebrating taking of the life of a baby even up to the moment of birth. This is horrifying. I’m proud of the Ohio Legislature and Governor DeWine for practical and courageous protection of life.”   

Before signing the bill, sponsored by state Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), Gov. DeWine said, “The function of government is to protect the most vulnerable among us, those who do not have a voice. Government’s role should be to protect life from the beginning to the end, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, such as the elderly, the unborn, those who are sick, those who have mental illness or have an addiction.” 

Although this is the third time that the “Heartbeat Law” has been passed by the Ohio General Assembly, former Gov. John Kasich vetoed two previous attempts. Attempts to override the gubernatorial veto failed by one vote in December. 

A fetal heartbeat can be detected as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. State statistics do not require incremental gestational reporting before nine weeks, but it is estimated that the new law would prohibit between 70 percent and 90 percent of abortions. There were 20,893 abortions performed in Ohio last year.

Under the new law, anyone who performs an abortion after a heartbeat has been detected or who fails to do ultrasound before performing an abortion could be charged with a fifth-degree felony on a first offense. Failure to abide by the law also could result in professional sanctions, including medical license suspension or revocation by the State Medical Board and fines of up to $20,000, with the money sent to a new state fund for foster care and adoption services. The law also requires civil lawsuits against those performing an abortion under wrongful death laws. 

The law does not contain an exception for rape and incest, but does not prohibit actions taken to preserve the life of the mother if her physical health is in danger.  

“There are many groups in the pro-life community who are working together to change hearts, minds, and laws, and to provide women with positive alternatives to abortion,” said Beth Vanderkooi, executive director of Greater Columbus Right to Life. ”As a grassroots education organization, it was an honor to join colleagues and the governor at the Statehouse for this bill signing, and we greatly appreciate the work of all who brought it about. If anything, this shows just how much we need to continue with the work of pregnancy help, sidewalk ministry, evangelization, and post-abortion healing.”

Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Iowa, Kentucky and North Dakota have enacted heartbeat laws, but several of those states are facing legal challenges. Legislation in Georgia and Florida is under consideration.