The Republican-led Ohio state legislature failed to override Republican Governor John Kasich’s veto of a major pro-life priority Thursday.
The legislation, known as the “Heartbeat Bill,” would have outlawed abortion as soon as a heartbeat was detected in the baby. Despite claiming to be “pro-life,” Kasich said he vetoed the bill because he did not think it would hold up in court. Kasich previously vetoed a similar bill in 2016. (RELATED: John Kasich To Veto 6-Week Abortion Ban And Gun Rights Bill)
Pro-life and pro-choice activists await the Supreme Courts ruling on abortion access in front of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on June 27, 2016
The state House had enough votes to override the veto at 61-28, but the Senate fell just short, voting 19-13 in favor of the override. The state Senate needed 20 votes to overrule the veto.
The legislature overrided Kasich’s lame-duck veto on another bill aimed at expanding gun rights in Ohio.
Despite the setback, the pro-life movement in Ohio has reason to be optimistic about finally getting this bill through in the future. Republican Governor-elect Mike Dewine has pledged to sign the “Heartbeat Bill.”