Backers of the proposed bill that would outlaw abortion in Ohio at the point where a fetal heartbeat could be detected are trying a new tactic to get state senators to move the bill forward. They brought young children to the Statehouse and gave them teddy bears that made the sound of a fetal heartbeat. The children then took those bears to Senators who are considering the so called heartbeat bill. One of its major backers, Janet Folger Porter, said she thinks the group’s efforts are working.
"There’s been a lot of first and what we are going to see is history made again as Ohio is the first state to pass the heartbeat bill. I believe the senate is going to do it very very shortly and I believe we will see it this month, perhaps as soon as the next week or two, says Folger Porter.
Kellie Copeland with Naral Pro Choice Ohio said there’s a reason why the heartbeat bill’s supporters use cute tactics-they have to.
"We are not going to engage in showboating or hiding behind balloons or teddy bears. We have what’s right on our side which is to protect the health care of Ohio women," says Copeland.
Copeland said her side has been writing and calling lawmakers with serious medical and legal concerns they have with the heartbeat bill. She said she’s hoping the bill will remain bottled up in committee.