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More than a thousand people prayed, sang, and listened to speakers at the Ohio Statehouse in October as part of the second annual March for Life Ohio. Their aim is to defeat a constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion. Jo Ingles/Ohio Public Radio
Beth and Kyle Long, residents in the Columbus area, recently voted on Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment in Ohio, which aims to enshrine abortion and reproductive rights into the state's constitution. The Longs, featured in Issue 1 ads, emphasized the importance of preventing others from experiencing their ordeal.
If this measure is approved by voters, Ohio would become the seventh state to pass abortion rights legislation following the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade last summer. The amendment could potentially block a previous law that banned abortions once fetal cardiac activity could be detected, which is often as early as six weeks into pregnancy. This law had been temporarily halted due to concerns over endangering women's lives, but the appeal is currently with the Republican-majority Ohio Supreme Court.
More than a thousand people prayed, sang, and listened to speakers at the Ohio Statehouse in October as part of the second annual March for Life Ohio. Their aim is to defeat a constitutional amendment that would enshrine reproductive rights, including abortion.
Jo Ingles/Ohio Public RadioMany religious organizations, particularly Catholic and evangelical churches, have come out in opposition to the amendment. However, not all religious institutions share this stance; some view it as a matter of justice and healthcare.
Ohio, once considered a swing state, has leaned increasingly Republican in recent years. Nonetheless, polls consistently indicate that a significant percentage of Ohioans support abortion rights.
Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican and vocal opponent of the amendment, has acknowledged the disagreements within the state regarding abortion restrictions. He promised to consider an exception for rape and incest in future legislation if the amendment is rejected by voters.
In their efforts to sway the vote, Republicans in the state have taken various actions, including an attempt to change the requirements for the passage of constitutional amendments, but this failed. Additionally, the language used in the ballot summary, which was approved by Republican-controlled authorities, has drawn controversy for omitting parts of the amendment and changing terminology.
Secretary of State Frank LaRose, a member of the Ballot Board, has removed thousands of voters from registration during the early voting period. Democrats have criticized these removals, claiming they disproportionately affect younger and urban voters.
While there is a belief that the abortion rights amendment will ultimately pass, the campaign's disinformation and political factors have created a competitive environment for the vote.
