West Cleveland News

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) has voiced his opposition to Ohio's Issue 1 amendment and urged voters to vote against it. Vance expressed his concerns about the amendment, asking, "Do you want taxpayer-funded abortion up to the moment of birth? Do you want to lock parents out of the health care of their kids? No and no. Vote NO on Issue 1!" Vance emphasized the importance of voting early and encouraged Ohio voters to cast their ballots instead of waiting until the election day on November 7.

According to Spectrum News1, Issue 1 is a proposed constitutional amendment to Ohio's state constitution that would ensure every person the right to make and carry out their own reproductive decisions, including contraception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion. Currently, Ohio's state law bans abortions after 22 weeks except if the mother's life is at risk. The matter has garnered attention and financial support nationwide. As per campaign finance reports, backers of Issue 1 have amassed almost $29 million since Sept. 8, while those opposing it have raised nearly $10 million. Republicans point out the vagueness of the language of the bill, worried it will block parents from being involved in minor's health decisions as well as allowing for abortion up until birth. “Maybe you think that if a teenager is getting an abortion, she should have to have sign off from her mother, or maybe you should have a right to an abortion, but not after 12 weeks, not after 15 weeks when the baby can feel pain,” said Vance. “This amendment takes that right away from Ohioans.” Spectrum News1 reported the bill uses "individual" when referring to the right to reproductive decisions, potentially allowing for minors to participate without parental consent.

Democrats argue Issue 1 will protect from state-wide abortion bans. Former President Obama came out in support of Issue 1 and said, "protect abortion rights by making them part of your state Constitution" on X.

Senator Vance said Vote NO on Issue 1 | https://twitter.com/JDVance1/status/1718355739545378908

At the Ohio March for Life on Oct. 6, Vance addressed a crowd opposed to Issue 1, questioning the motives of its backers, including the ACLU and Planned Parenthood. He criticized the out-of-state interests funding the amendment and argued that it was not about freedom but about control. Vance emphasized the importance of preserving the choice to choose life and preventing powerful interests from preying on women.

The debate surrounding Issue 1 continues to intensify as Ohio voters prepare to make their decision on Nov. 7.