By Erin Parfet
Life News
The liberal news media has struggled to avoid life-affirming language about unborn babies when writing about Ohio’s Heartbeat Bill in the past few weeks, but NPR managed to find a way.
The bill, which passed both Ohio houses but was vetoed by the governor, would prohibit abortions after an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable, about six weeks into the pregnancy.
It is generally accepted fact that an unborn child’s heart begins to beat by about 22 days after conception. In October, however, Oxford University researchers announced findings that an unborn child’s heartbeat may begin even earlier at 16 days after conception.
But in NPR’s reporting of the bill, the radio news outlet minimized these facts by describing the bill as “tied to sounds from the fetus.”
The Federalist’s Bre Payton said she first noticed the euphemistic language on Tuesday as she drove past the NPR building in Washington, D.C.
The ticker that she saw read, “Republican governor decided the time-limit measure is more likely to withstand legal challenges than a separate bill tied to sounds from the fetus.”
Online, she also found an NPR report that put the words “heartbeat bill” in quotes in the headline. A brief description of the article mentioned “sounds from the fetus” rather than heartbeat, and the article itself described it as the “so-called heartbeat bill.”
Life News article continues
By Steven Ertelt
Life News
The Ohio State Senate today passed legislation that would ban all abortions after an unborn baby’s heart begins to beat. An unborn child’s heart begins to beat at 22 days after conception or earlier.
Should the measure be approved by the full Ohio State Legislature and be signed into law, the legislation would likely be struck down in court as has been the case and two other states — Arkansas and North Dakota.
As the Ohio General Assembly considers bills in these last days of lame duck session before the year’s end, significant amendments are being added to various laws to pass additional legislation.
Today the Ohio Senate added Ohio’s Unborn Heartbeat Protection bill, which has been before the legislature for several years, as an amendment to House Bill 493 child abuse reporting law. The Senate has approved H.B. 493 with Heartbeat protection amendment 21-10.
H.B. 493 with the heartbeat protection amendment now goes to the Ohio House of Representatives for concurrence and that chamber could take a vote as early as today. Then, if approved, the bill goes to pro-life Governor John Kasich for his potential signature.
“Cincinnati Right to Life, the entire statewide Ohio pro-life coalition, and all else who have supported the Unborn Heartbeat Protection bill the past several years thanks and congratulates the Ohio Senate on this momentous vote,” said Paula Westwood, Executive Director, Right to Life of Greater Cincinnati. “We look forward to passage of H.B. 493 with Heartbeat protection amendment in the Ohio House, and Governor Kasich’s immediate support.”
Life News story continues
Voices for Life is an e-publication dedicated to informing and educating the public on pro-life and pro-family issues. To read our Mission Statement, use this link. Follow us on Facebook, Google, Pinterest and The Tea Party Community. Help us spread the pro-life message by sharing our articles on your favorite social networks.
Pregnant, need help or know someone who does?
National Hotline: Call 1-800-712-HELP or Text 'HELPLINE' to 313131.
In Southeast Penna: Call or text 610-626-4006
If you are experiencing pain or loss because of an abortion, please know there are many organizations where you can find help. Call 1-800-5WE-CARE.
