Ohio Supreme Court Dismisses Appeals in Abortion Heartbeat Law Case

The Ohio Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal in the case against the state's 'heartbeat' abortion ban, citing a change in law after an abortion rights amendment to the state constitution took effect. The law, which had been on hold for over a year, made abortion illegal once a fetal heartbeat could be detected, as early as six weeks gestation. Abortion providers have filed a complaint seeking the permanent dismissal of the law, arguing that it violates the Ohio Constitution. A state constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion rights was approved by Ohio voters in November, with the amendment allowing abortion until fetal viability, around 22 to 24 weeks.