In media 'circus,' fetus called to 'testify' before Ohio lawmakers

In a move critics have attacked as a "circus" for the media, a nine-week-old fetus is set to "testify" in favor of a bill in Ohio that would outlaw abortions as soon as doctors can detect the first heatbeat.

Janet (Folger) Porter, President of Faith2Action, claimed that the fetus will be the "youngest ever to testify."

"For the first time in a committee hearing, legislators will be able to see and hear the beating heart of a baby in the womb -- just like the ones the Heartbeat Bill will protect," she said in a statement.

"When passed, the Heartbeat Bill will insure that once that heartbeat is detected, the baby is protected," Porter added.

The fetus will presented to the committee live via an ultrasound from the expectant mother.

Supporters of abortion rights indicated they were concerned about the idea.

"I think it's a stunt that trivializes women's health," Kellie Copeland, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, told The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

"It's obvious this committee is a lot more interested in making headlines than in giving women better access to health care or doing something to bring jobs to this state or trying to fix the state's budget mess."

"Instead, what Ohioans are getting is an absolute circus in the House health committee," she added.

Republicans appeared to have enough votes to pass the bill, The Plain Dealer noted.

If enacted, it would be the most restrictive abortion law in the country.