Why did pro-life groups tell Kasich to VETO pro-life heartbeat bill?

Pro-life groups are advising an incremental approach.

Ohio Governor John Kasich has signed a pro-life bill that protects the lives of all children following 20 weeks in the womb. However, he has vetoed a heartbeat bill that would have banned abortions once a heartbeat was detectable. His decision was informed by various pro-life groups.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- Ohio Gov. John Kasich has signed a pro-life bill to protect children after 20 weeks in the womb. Known as the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, the law takes effect 90 days following its signing.

The law enhances existing protections for the unborn by eliminating the possibility of abortion except in cases where the mother's life is endangered.

In announcing his decision to sign the bill, Kasich explained that he was informed by pro-life activists. "I agree with Ohio Right to Life and other leading pro-life advocates that S.B. 127 is the best, most legally sound and sustainable approach to protecting the sanctity of human life," he said.

At the same time, he passed the 20-week abortion ban, Kasich also vetoed a proposal to ban abortion as soon as a heartbeat became detectable. A heartbeat is usually detectable by the sixth week.

Gov. Kasich explained that he was advised by the same pro-life proponents to veto the bill because it would weaken the pro-life movement.

The reason is similar bills have been struck down in the past, and passing a bill that is subsequently struck down harms the credibility of the pro-life movement.

Instead of seeking an immediate and total ban, the pro-life movement must now be content with incremental success.

That could change under President Trump, who is expected to appoint at least one to three Supreme Court judges during his tenure. His choices are expected to be conservative and pro-life, which could embolden the pro-life movement to ask for stronger protections for the most vulnerable people in our society.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'

Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online