Ohio Senate to vote on bill to block rapists' parental rights over kids stemming from assaults
5/28/2014COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio bill would let rape victims request that a court terminate or deny offenders’ parental rights over a child conceived as a result of an attack.
The proposal was scheduled for an Ohio Senate vote today. If it passes, it would go to the House for consideration.
Under the legislation, the denial of parental rights wouldn’t relieve the attacker of any debts owed to the parent or the child.
Supporters say the bill will protect rape victims and their children.
A similar measure was introduced last year by two Democrats. Their bill came after Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro asked for permission to visit with the 6-year-old daughter he fathered with one of the three women he raped and held captive for years. The judge denied the request.