State Representatives Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) and Joe Uecker (R-Loveland) yesterday attended Governor Kasich’s signing of House Bill 78, which will protect the lives of unborn babies after the viability of the child is confirmed.

“So many bills are measured in economic impact, measured in dollars. House Bill 78 will be measured in lives,” said Roegner, who was joined at the bill signing by her three daughters: Katherine, age ten; Kaitlyn, age eight; and Kristine, age five. “This law saves the lives of hundreds of babies each year—babies that will contribute to society and could become future doctors, teachers, nurses, or engineers. They could become mothers and fathers themselves someday. It was truly a blessing to be a part of this historic day.”

“Ohio took an important step in protecting our most vulnerable citizens, our unborn,” Uecker said. “With this legislation that received bipartisan support being signed into law, it will save hundreds of babies each year. While our work is not done, this legislation will prevent the most egregious of abortions from taking place, those performed after a child is able to live outside the mother. ”

According to the “Ohio Viable Infants Protection Act,” if a woman wants an abortion and her unborn child is 20 weeks or older, a doctor must first examine the child to determine if he or she is viable. If the child is viable, the abortion is prohibited except in the case of a medical emergency or if the woman has a serious physical health condition.