(CNN) Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law on Thursday the state's so-called heartbeat bill, which bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected -- as early as six weeks into a pregnancy, before many women even know that they are pregnant.

"The signing of this bill today is consistent with that respect for life and the imperative to protect those who cannot protect themselves," DeWine said at the bill signing ceremony.

The state's Senate and House both passed Senate Bill 23 on Wednesday.

In a statement, DeWine's office said the bill -- also known as the Human Rights and Heartbeat Protection Act -- will go into effect 90 days after it's filed by the secretary of state.

The bill's signing was celebrated by some of its supporters, like Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, who said, "Sometimes, the evolution of the law requires bold steps."

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