South Summit News

The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Resolution 215, expressing opposition to Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot. According to the resolution's sponsors, Issue 1 could remove current protections for children, women, and families while allowing abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. The resolution outlines the potential consequences, including late-term abortions and a removal of health and safety protections for women, among other issues.

Senator Kristina Roegner, a Republican from Hudson, expressed her concerns about the proposed amendment. She stated, "Human life is precious – at all stages – and must be protected. Issue 1 is dangerous and irresponsible. It would undermine the current rights and protections of unborn children, women, and parents."

On November 7, 2023, Ohio's statewide ballot will feature Issue 1, titled "The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety." The resolution passed by the Ohio Senate expresses concerns about the proposed amendment, emphasizing the value of human life and the importance of health and safety protections for women. It argues that Issue 1 could undermine these principles by allowing for-profit abortion providers to make decisions about abortion procedures and timing, potentially leading to late-term abortions, the removal of parental notification requirements, and the elimination of various laws related to abortion, ultimately taking away parental rights and basic health and safety protections for women. The resolution urges Ohio citizens to vote against Issue 1 as it is seen as a constitutional amendment that may compromise the rights and protections of unborn children, women, and parents.

Last week, over a thousand individuals of diverse backgrounds gathered at Ohio's Statehouse for the second annual 2023 March for Life Ohio. The rally was held in opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment scheduled for the November ballot, which could embed abortion rights into the state constitution. The event drew attention from various groups, including Citizens for Christian Virtue and Protect Women Ohio, who have been actively campaigning against Issue 1 and running television ads to promote their cause.

U.S. Senator J.D. Vance also voiced his opposition to the proposed amendment, suggesting that there should be a federal minimum standard while allowing states to shape their abortion policies.

Proponents of Issue 1 are focusing on mobilizing the 700,000 Ohioans who signed petitions to place it on the ballot. They are planning rallies throughout the state to garner support. On the other side, Kellie Copeland from Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights stressed that the proposed amendment could prevent the revival of Ohio's six-week abortion ban, emphasizing the importance of personal decision-making in reproductive rights.