Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio Celebrates Congressional Victories; Commits To Continue Sounding the Alarm on Threats to Bodily Autonomy

Columbus, Ohio — Following Tuesday’s election results, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio (PPAO) is celebrating the victories of Greg Landsman (OH-1) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) who will serve as abortion access champions for Ohioans in the halls of Congress. Losses in statewide races, including the governorship and the state’s Supreme Court are devastating to the fight to protect abortion rights in the state, therefore PPAO remains committed to sounding the alarm on all likely threats to bodily autonomy and the ability for all Ohioans to make their own decisions about their bodies, lives and futures. This is only one election of several to come and PPAO looks forward to remaining in the fight to supply Ohioans with the accessible health care they want and deserve.

In response to Tuesday’s results, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio President and CEO Iris Harvey delivered the following statement:

“Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio is thrilled that Greg Landsman (OH-1) and Emilia Sykes (OH-13) are headed to Congress because they know that reproductive health and rights matter to Ohioans. We are proud to have built a strong base of reproductive rights supporters in support of Landsman and Sykes – by reaching thousands of households across their districts – to ensure Ohioans are provided the necessary leadership on reproductive freedom they want and deserve. We know that Representatives-elect Landsman and Sykes will continue to fight for reproductive rights, equality for all, increased access to reproductive health care and sex education for all Ohioans. Congratulations to you both.”

“However, the reelection of Governor DeWine and the sweep of our state’s Supreme Court seats remind us that much work lies ahead to preserve the right to bodily autonomy and guaranteed access to safe and essential healthcare, including abortion. Ohioans are no strangers to draconian tactics by Republican lawmakers that have historically been used in attempts to erode individuals’ rights to basic healthcare, education and civil liberties. And unfortunately, we must be prepared to fight against future attacks that will force citizens to travel across state lines to obtain the abortion care they need. We have in the past, and we will continue to do so in the future. This fact remains true: abortion is legal in Ohio and Ohioans want it to remain legal. Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio is prepared to use every tool in our toolbox to ensure the voice of every citizen is heard so that no politician can block personal medical decisions or set the course for someone’s health, life and future.

“We particularly thank Justice Jennifer Brunner, and judges Terri Jamison and Marilyn Zayas for offering themselves as candidates to the Ohio Supreme Court and Nan Whaley for Governor and know their commitment to equity and justice for all is far from over.”

Planned Parenthood of Southwest Ohio CEO Kersha Deibel added:

“This has been a hard year for all of us. The call to action to protect all communities and expand reproductive health care access for everyone is as fierce as ever. We feel the urgency of our mission at this time: to protect our communities by offering reproductive health care and intentional and comprehensive sexuality education. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio will always work to carry out that mission in Ohio. We will always be fighting for our community and that includes you. This doesn’t end here.”

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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio supports advocacy for reproductive health and reproductive rights, including grassroots organizing, community education, and lobbying.