COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Governor Mike DeWine has signed the "Heartbeat Bill" into law.
In a ceremony at the statehouse Thursday, DeWine noted what he believes is the government's role to protect life from the beginning to the end.
"The signing of this bill today is consistent with that respect for life, and the imperative to protect those who cannot protect themselves," DeWine said.
The law, which takes effect in July, bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which usually occurs about six weeks into a pregnancy.
Similar laws in other states have faced legal opposition, citing The US Supreme Court's "Roe vs. Wade" decision that legalized abortion in the 1970's.
Supporters of the "Heartbeat bill" see it as a direct challenge to Roe vs. Wade, and think that with a conservative-leaning court, it could lead it to being overturned.
The ACLU of Ohio has already indicated it plans a legal challenge to the Ohio law.
(photo courtesy ABC-6)