Abortion Sees Indirect Consequence in Ohio Special Election
Ohio is set to vote on Issue 1, a measure that would make it more difficult to pass amendments to the state constitution. Pro-life supporters are in favor of this measure, as they believe it will prevent the passage of a November ballot measure that would enshrine abortion rights in the Ohio Constitution. Issue 1 would require future amendments to receive at least 60% approval and would impose stricter signature requirements. If Issue 1 is defeated, the abortion rights amendment would only require a simple majority to pass. Supporters of Issue 1 argue that it is necessary to prevent out-of-state special interest groups from bypassing the legislature on various issues. However, opponents believe that its intent is specifically to prevent the abortion rights amendment from passing. As of Friday, over half a million Ohioans had already voted early either in-person or by mail. The abortion rights amendment would grant individuals the right to make and carry out their own reproductive decisions, with restrictions on abortion after fetal viability except to protect a patient’s life or health.
