Ohioans Celebrate Constitutional Protection of Reproductive Rights
For Immediate Release: Dec. 8, 2023
Issue 1’s definitive victory in November’s election secured permanent protections for reproductive rights in the Ohio Constitution, effective today.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – After a successful ballot initiative on November 7, today, protections for reproductive rights are officially part of the Ohio Constitution. In November, over 2 million Ohioans voted in favor of Issue 1, the Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety amendment, by a margin of 57 to 43 percent. As a result, the right to contraception and abortion care is now enshrined in the Ohio Constitution, and the six-week abortion ban being considered by the Ohio Supreme Court is effectively void.
In response to this historic moment, Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, and Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, released the following statement:
“Today marks the first day of constitutionally protected reproductive care, including abortion, in the state of Ohio. Our celebration today comes after a hard-won victory made possible by the tremendous efforts of our volunteers, storytellers, supporters, and donors who have been with us every step of the way.
“Every conversation and every dollar used to educate voters on what was at stake during this election brought us to this momentous day. Ohioans spoke with their votes and demanded that the government stay out of their personal medical decisions, transcending party lines and other demographics.
“We’re proud that Ohioans did not fall for the rampant misinformation from anti-abortion activists and elected officials, and that our grassroots movement to protect reproductive freedom resonated with millions across the state. Now, we will do everything in our power to ensure our success story here in Ohio can serve as inspiration for states across the country fighting against abortion bans and working to protect individuals’ right to reproductive health services.
“Abortion is legal in Ohio, and our health centers are open to all who need care.”
If you are interested in speaking with an expert about abortion access in Ohio, please contact Hannah Gavin at 202-765-4290 or [email protected].
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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio supports advocacy for reproductive health and reproductive rights, including grassroots organizing, community education, and lobbying.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 15 health centers and two surgical centers throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.