West Cleveland News

In a video clip posted by Ohio Right to Life on October 11, Governor Mike DeWine expressed his opposition to Issue 1, a proposed constitutional amendment in Ohio. The Governor and his wife, Fran, appeared in an ad sponsored by Protect Women Ohio, where they voiced their concerns about the amendment.

Governor DeWine stated, "Whether you're pro-life or pro-choice, Issue 1 is just not right for Ohio."

First Lady Fran DeWine highlighted the potential consequences of Issue 1 in the ad, stating, "Issue 1 would allow an abortion at any time during a pregnancy, and it would deny parents the right to be involved when their daughter is making the most important decision of her life."

Currently, Ohio's abortion law permits abortion up to 22 weeks, with exceptions made for cases endangering the life of the mother. However, Issue 1 seeks to change this law by allowing abortion at any point throughout pregnancy. Since the proposed amendment would be a permanent change to Ohio's constitution, it would be immune to any court rulings or legislative measures.

According to Ballotpedia, Issue 1 aims to establish a state constitutional right for individuals to make their own reproductive decisions, including abortion, contraception, fertility treatment, miscarriage care, and continuing pregnancy. However, the state would be allowed to restrict abortion after fetal viability unless it is necessary to protect the pregnant patient's life or health.

Opponents of Issue 1 argue that the language in the amendment is purposefully vague and could endanger women. They also express concerns that the amendment would grant access to abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. Carrie Campbell Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, and Frank J. Scaturro, vice president of the Judicial Crisis Network, wrote in the National Review, "The proposed amendment would outlaw virtually any restrictions on abortion and all other procedures, including sex-change surgeries, that touch on reproduction, for both adults and minors."

As the debate over Issue 1 continues, Governor DeWine's stance against the proposed amendment adds to the discussion surrounding reproductive rights in Ohio.