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Ohio Governor Kasich signs restrictive abortion bill

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By Kim Palmer

CLEVELAND | Sat Nov 5, 2011 10:57am EDT

CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Ohio Governor John Kasich signed into law a bill that makes it more difficult for minors to obtain permission for an abortion.

Ohio law already requires either parental permission or court order for any woman under 18 to legally obtain an abortion.

The new law signed late on Friday would require a judge to, "hear evidence relating to the emotional development, maturity, intellect, and understanding of the minor." Judges will also have to ask if the minor understands the consequences and alternatives to the abortion.

The law has already come under fire from Ohio abortion rights groups, chiding the governor for signing the bill late on Friday so it might go unnoticed.

"This bill ignores the fact that there are circumstances, such as a violent home, where telling her parents is not a safe option for some minor women," Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, said in a statement.

Ohio judges will also be required to ask minors if anyone "instructed" them on how to answer the court's questions.

Ten abortion-related bills have been introduced and are working their way through the Ohio House and Senate.

(Editing by Greg McCune)
U.S.
Politics
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Comments (5)
PattyFromTexas wrote:
This is a good thing. Parents should definitely be informed and give consent for any invasive medical procedure on their child.

Nov 05, 2011 5:31pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
BillFortenberry wrote:
“The inalienable right to life possessed by every human being is present from the moment of initial formation, and all human beings shall be entitled to the equal protection of persons under the law.” Learn more at: http://www.personhoodinitiative.com/about-personhood.html

Nov 05, 2011 7:18pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
DrEdu2 wrote:
I am a Pediatrician and I have two Doctorates in Developmental Biology.

I think the Governor should take measures so that everyone is educated about the scientific facts pertaining to the human Embryo and Fetus.

There is 100% agreement among us scientists that the Human Embryo -from implantation onwards- is an individual of the Human Species.

As far as we can tell, this individual is not a criminal. On the contrary, he/she is innocent and can’t defend his or herself. This individual does not deserve to die.

The scientific facts pertaining to the human Embryo and Fetus is what we must understand first. Then Society must decide if ALL individuals are equal, or not.

Nov 05, 2011 7:58pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
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