COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--The Ohio Senate has passed another version of the "Heartbeat Bill", and observers say it's closer than ever to actually becoming law.
The vote Wednesday of 19-13, mostly along party lines, would ban abortions in the state after the first fetal heartbeat is detected, which usually happens about six weeks into a pregnancy.
The move now heads to the Ohio House, where it is expected to pass with a Republican majority.
The legislature had passed previous version of the bill, but were vetoed by then-Governor John Kasich. Current Governor Mike DeWine has indicated he would sign the measure into law.
Opponents argue that it would not stand up to a court challenge, but supporters have acknowledged that it is an effort to challenge and overturn Roe Vs. Wade, if the case makes its way to the US Supreme Court.