Perry, Voinovich Back Strict Abortion Ban for Ohio

A strict Ohio abortion bill is drawing support from the state's retired U.S. Sen. George Voinovich as well as Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican White House hopeful. Anti-abortion group Faith2Action has led the push for the bill that would outlaw abortions at the first detectable fetal heartbeat. It said Tuesday the measure is supported by Perry and Voinovich, a Republican and former two-time Ohio governor. The bill drew the backing in May of GOP presidential contenders, including former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota. Faith2Action is planning a Statehouse rally in support of the contentious bill on Sept. 20, the first scheduled day back for the Ohio Senate. The Ohio House has already passed the measure. Both chambers are controlled by Republicans.