Rally At Statehouse Favors Heartbeat Bill

Several hundred anti-abortion supporters rallied at the statehouse Tuesday. However, missing from the podium were representatives of Ohio Right to Life.

"It concerns me that there's not unanimity on this," said Republican state Senator Peggy Lehner.

Lehner is pro-life but she is caught in the middle of a tug-of-war over the controversial Heartbeat Bill, ONN's Jim Heath reported.

"There is not a unanimous agreement within the pro-life movement about the strategy of this legislation," Lehner said. "We need to sort through that."

If the Heartbeat Bill is approved by lawmakers, it could be the strictest anti-abortion law in the country.

Mike Gonidakis from Ohio Right to Life opposes the bill because he is concerned about its constitutionality.

"Our job is to tell the truth, even when it's not convenient," said Gonidakis. "The Heartbeat Bill absolutely sounds good, but it's the negative consequences that will happen in the federal courts."

Judy Scharfenberger drove from Cincinnati to attend the rally.

Scharfenberger said she's aware of the rift within the pro-life community, but believes that her side should push on.

"Once there's a heartbeat, it's a life," said Scharfenberger. "I think the people are speaking. They're tired of this, and they're not worried about court battles. They don't have to worry about that.  We just have to support it."

About a dozen pro-choice advocates protested outside the statehouse Tuesday and found themselves in agreement with Ohio Right to Life. They believe the courts will strike down the Heartbeat Bill at taxpayers’ expense.

"I don't think we're threatened because we know we have Ohio behind us," said Jaime Miracle from NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio. "We know that these kinds of bills are out of touch with what real Ohioans want their legislators to do."

Lawmakers are not expected to hear the bill this year, Heath reported.

Lehner said that the dissension in the ranks of the pro-life community is a major reason.

"If not everyone can come to agreement and give us one position on this piece of legislation, we'll have to work through that on our own," said Lehner. "That's going to take some time."

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